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A SKETCH 



OF 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 

WITH THE 

HISTORY OF THE FIRST CHRISTIAN 

CHURCH IN DARTMOUTH, MASS., 

FOR ONE HUNDRED 

YEARS. 



BY S^'^'M. AISTDREAVS. 



NEW ^^^E^^mi^^Jh^^^ 

E. AxTHOxr & Sons, PRiNTSiS'?. 

iSSo. 






Entered according to Act of Congress by S. M. Andrews, March 20 13Si). 



2./ 



PREFACE. 



The following pages were written to supply a 
local want, and to preserve the records of the 
First Christian Church of Dartmouth in a per- 
manent form. It is evident such a book will be 
useful not only to the church but to all desirous 
of reviewing the lessons of the past ; and per- 
haps no apology is required, beyond regrets 
that the work has been done in such an imper- 
fect manner. This, however, from a pressure 
of other duties, was unavoidable. The book 
lays no claim to literary excellence, and goes 
forth with the desire that it may be profitable, if 
not faultless as a scholarly production. 

Some years ago the propriety of such a work 
was seen, but few materials could then be found. 
Recently the diary of Elder Daniel Hix, his list 
of baptisms, and the church records of the old 
Baptist organization, were obtained from Mrs. 
Rachel Davis of Westport, to w^hom the thanks 
of writer and readers are due. 

I am under obligations to Gilbert Miller, 
clerk of the church, for Information found in 



IV PREFACE. 

the later portion of the work. Indebtedness 
is also thankfully acknowledged to General 
Ebenezer W. Peirce, Rev. O. A. Roberts, Rev. 
I. C. Goff, Rev. Moses How, Rev. B. S. Batch- 
elor, Rev. George N. Kelton, Jesse W. Nichols, 
Thomas Cottle, Mrs. William Allen, Mrs. Judith 
Whithead and others, for particular incidents, 
correction of lists of church members, &c. 
Some of the church documents, and names in 
most cases, have been copied literally; family 
records have been consulted, and much pains 
taken to verify any partial or doubtful dates : it 
is likely, however, that among so many names 
some mistakes may be seen, which it is hoped 
will be pardoned. Contributions have also been 
levied upon the Memoirs of Elders Smith, Shaw, 
and Fernald, besides Backus's Church History, 
Bliss' History of Rehoboth, and Ricketson's 
History of New Bedford. 

I also desire here to express thanks to Mr. 
B. F. H. Reed, for aid in revising the work, 
proof reading, &c., which has enabled me to 
fulfill my promise to subscribers ; and if the 
book is in any degree helpful in promoting 
piety, the object in view will have been attained. 

S. M. A. 

North Dartmouth, March i, iSSo. 



CONTENTS. 



Page 

Preface, iii 

Contents, v 

Chapter I. 

Elder Daniel Ilix ; His Family ; Boyhood; Education; 
Military Service ; Marriage ; Religious Experience ; 
Call to the Ministry ; His Character as a Man and a 
Minister, i 

Chapter H. 

Religious Meetings in Dartmouth ; Organization of the 
Church ; Call of Elder Hix ; Original List of Mem- 
bers ; Ordination ; Installation ; Discipline ; Salary ; 
Elements of Success ; Success in Preaching ; Groton 
Conference ; Revival at Long Plain ; General Refor- 
mation of 1 788, 29 

Chapter IH. 

Preaching Tour ; Revival of 1794-5 ; Doctrinal Discus- 
cussions ; Council in Freetown ; Revival of 1 801-2 ; 
Ordination of Elder Ira Phillips ; Great Revival of 
1805-6 ; Elias Smith ; Sermon of Elder Hix ; Change 
of the Church, 63 



VI CONTEXTS. 

Chapter IV, 



Page 



Continued Reformations; Organization of the North 
Christian Church in New Bedford; Elder Howard 
Tripp; His Early Preaching; Revival in Taunton, 
Rochester, New Bedford, and Middleborough; Final 
Separation from the Groton Conference; Letter of 
Elder Hix to the Conference; The Second Church 
Built; Revivals of 1811-12-13, 93 

Chapter V. 

War of 1 81 2; Secession of Anti- War Members; Revival 
and Formation of the First Christian Church in West- 
port; Ordination of Elder Howard Tripp; Great Re- 
vival of 1825; Organization of Fall River Church; 
Other Revivals; Death of Aunt Mary Hix; Last Ser- 
mon and Death of Elder Daniel Hix; Church Troubles; 
Temperance Reform; List of Members, 1829-44, 123 

Chapter VI. 

Advent Meetings; Causes and Effects of that Excitement; 
Third Church Built; Elder Tripp's Resignation; Elder 
William Faunce; North Westport Church Formed; 
Revivals of 1857-61; Difficulties; Sketches of Suc- 
cessive Pastors; Revival of 1870; Obstacles; Present 
Condition; List of Members; Record of Marriages 
Solemnized by Elder Hix, 161 



Appendix, 



201 



Sketch of Elder Daniel Hix. 



SKETCH OF ELDER DANIEL HL\. 



CHAPTER L 



ELDER DANIEL HIX ; HIS FAMILY ; BOYHOOD ; ED- 
UCATION ; MILITARY SERVICE ; MARRIAGE ; RE- 
LIGIOUS EXPERIENCE; CALL TO THE MINISTRY; 
HIS CHARACTER AS A MAN AND A MINISTER. 

Daniel Hix was born in Rehoboth, Mass., 
Nov. 30, 1755. The house where his father, 
Elder John Hix, then lived is still standing (Oct. 
1879) perhaps three fourths of a mile south- 
west of the Oak Swamp meeting-house. Little 
is known of the early history of the Hix family 
beyond a tradition that two brothers came from 
England near the beginning of the eighteenth 
century. John Hix, father of Daniel, was born 
May 10, 1 71 2 (O. S.) ; his wife, Hannah Galu- 
sha, was born April 25, 1713 (O. S.) 

Bliss, in his history of Rehoboth, says that 
John Hix formed a Baptist church in that town 
and was ordained its first pastor, Nov. 10, 1762. 
In 1 77 1 there was a revival in this church, and 
Elder Hix baptized forty persons. He was 
taken sick, but the revival continued under the 
B 



2 A SKETCH OF 

labors of Elhanan Winchester, who shortly after 
formed another church. The new church was 
divided the next year on doctrinal questions, 
and Jacob Hix, the oldest son of Elder John 
Hix, was ordained pastor of the part which re- 
tained the old Baptist principles, Jan. 20, 1773. 

Jacob Hix was born Jan. i, 1740, and seems 
to have been a truly pious and useful man. He 
preached in a church situated about one and a 
half miles southwest from the present Oak Swamp 
meeting-house, and three fourths of a mile from 
Stillman Baker's residence and the cemetery on 
the old Hix homestead. He owned a farm and 
part of a mill, which, wath some help from the 
church, enabled him to live comfortably. He 
had no children, and died March 30, 1809, after 
an illness of only four days, aged sixty-nine 
years. His wife, Submit Hix, died May 25, 
1809, aged seventy years. 

The other children of Elder John Hix were : 
Sarah, born Oct. 17, 1735, who married Daniel 
Carpenter, and removed in early life, perhaps to 
New York state ; Anna married Valentine Hor- 
ton, and died in Rehoboth ; Nathan was born 
Aug. 23, 1742, and died June i, 1816. He was 
the father of Capt. Nathan Hix and grandfather 
of John Hix, now living in Rehoboth. John, 
another son, settled in Richmond, N. H., as ap- 



ELDER DANIEL HLX. 3 

pears from some nearly illegible writing in Dan- 
iel Hix's diary, dated Nov. 30, 1774. This was 
his nineteenth birthday, and he began a journey 
of four days to Richmond to see his brother 
John. Nothing more is known of this brother, 
unless the death of John Hix, Nov. 10, 1776, as 
recorded by Daniel, refers to him. Josiah, son 
of Elder John Hix, settled in Royalston, Mass. 
His son Josiah^came to Dartmouth and married 
Serapta Phillips, and their children were Mary, 
Daniel, Jacob, Sarah, Nancy, Eliza, Amanda and 
Philip. Sarah and Philip are dead ; Amanda 
removed years ago ; Mary, with her husband 
William Allen, lives on the homestead of Elder 
Daniel Hix; Mrs. Eliza Briggs lives in Dart- 
mouth ; Daniel and Jacob Hix live inWestport. 

From the rolls of the old military companies, 
it is certain other families of the same name 
lived in Rehoboth, but whether they were rela- 
tives of Elder John Hix is not known. 

Elder John Hix continued preaching in Reho- 
both until 1785, when his health failed, and he 
died March 17, 1799, aged eighty-seven, having 
outlived his wife eleven years. There is no 
doubt of his sterling qualities as a man and a 
minister. In 1780 his church comprised 106 
members. 

The family seems to have been characterized 



4 A SKETCH OF 

by a rugged honesty common to the best fam- 
ilies of that day ; and while the boys were early 
trained to out-door work, the girls knit, spun 
and wove most of the family clothing, besides 
doing other work belonging to the household. 
Elder Jacob Hix was a millwright, Daniel was 
a cooper, and all were hunters and farmers, and 
by all these occupations they gained their live- 
lihood. Such surroundings could hardly help 
forming a character such as Daniel Hix after- 
wards possessed. With a sturdy frame and ro- 
bust health, he early became a leader among 
his associates, and stories of his feats of mis- 
chief have been transmitted from one genera- 
tion to another. So far as we can learn, his 
acts were inspired by a spirit of frolic rather 
than malice. There is nothing surprising in 
this. Strong animal life is ever associated with 
buoyant spirits, and the ablest minds have gen- 
erally been found in connection with good health 
and robust bodies. The preacher Daniel Hix 
was the natural outgrowth of the boy who was 
able not only to lead his comrades into, but out 
of mischief successfully. On one occasion, after 
a more than usual roguish prank, he lay stretched 
out upon the meal chest, while his mother urged 
him to abandon his habits of folly, and appealed 
to his love for his father and brother Jacob, who 



ELDER DANIEL MIX. 5 

were much grieved by his conduct. " Well, 
mother," said he, ''you know the shaking of 
the bag is the flour of the meal ; I shall be a 
preacher by-and-by, and when I am I shall beat 
father and Jacob both." 

A neighbor one Fall had loaded his cart with 
apples to draw away, when Daniel and his com- 
rades, seeing a chance for some fun, backed the 
cart down a hill and tipped the whole load into 
the well. This was rather serious, and his father 
deemed it best to secure Daniel in his room at 
night. The opportunity for more mischief soon 
arrived, and with outside help from his com- 
panions, he passed out through the window, but 
was careful to return before morning. Another 
complaint was made to Elder Hix, but said the 
old man, " It could not be Daniel, for he was 
fastened securely in his room." At one time a 
minister came to visit Elder Hix, and as he 
shared Daniel's room the boy was supposed to 
be secure for that night at least. After his bed- 
fellow was asleep, Daniel crept out, and with 
his associates went to a store or public house 
and removed the sign-board, which they carried 
to the meeting-house and placed under the pul- 
pit, which concealed it from view. This too 
was charged to Daniel, but the minister testify- 



6 A SKETCH OF 

ing to his presence through the night saved him 
from punishment. 

His opportunities for education were very 
limited. There is one record in his note-book 
relative to school. He writes : "School began 
July 12, 1773; the school ended Oct. 16, 1773. 
For boarding schoolmistress, £2 5 s." Elder 
George Kelton says, " Judging from my per- 
sonal knowledge of the educational interests of 
the community fifty years later, his advantages 
must have been very limited, but in this he was 
the peer of his age and time." It is evident he 
improved all his privileges, for books still pre- 
served show he could read, write and keep ac- 
counts years before he began to preach, and he 
seems to have been very exact in his records. 

He was without doubt early taught the prin- 
ciples of piety, and afterwards wrote, " I was 
often convicted of my being a sinner by the 
Spirit of Christ," but the excitements of the 
revolutionary war were probably not favorable 
to early piety. 

He was in his twentieth year, when he wrote, 
April 20, 1775 : '* An alarm came here in the 
morning to go to Boston. I set out with my 
sword by my side and my gun upon my back, 
until we met Col. Smith, who ordered us to go 
back and meet in the morning at Deacon Dan- 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 7 

lel Bullock's, and we should have news if we 
were wanted ; which we did. In the morning 
of April 2 1 we met and chose our officers. 
Chose John Kilton captain, Stephen Bullock 
lieutenant, and Samuel Gofif ensign. Col. Smith 
came and said he had no news from Boston, and 
our captain ordered that we should be ready at 
a minute's warning, and dismissed the company 
for a week." This alarm was in accordance 
with the plans of the patriot officers ; but being 
so far from Lexington, of course the British had 
retreated to Boston, and the Rehoboth men 
were not needed. 

The continental army was made up at this 
time of volunteers, but the militia were enrolled 
and drilled, and sometimes were drafted to serve 
as coast guard. When on such duty, they were 
partly or wholly supplied with weapons, cloth- 
ing, &c., by the government, and were under 
pay. During the years i 'J']^-'] it became neces- 
sary to call out a portion of the militia as a 
coast guard ; it appears also that the company 
to which Daniel Hix belonged became sadly 
disorganized. " The 4th company met at Dea- 
con Daniel Bullock's on the 22d of March to 
choose officers, and after consulting a while, 
chose Nathaniel Pearce captain, Stephen Bullock 
lieutenant, Samuel Gofif ensign. They all re- 



8 - A SKETCH OF 

fused to serve. Then chose James Horton 
ensign, and he refused. They then elected S. 
Bullock captain, James Horton lieutenant, and 
Israel Nichols ensign, and they accepted. The 
under officers were left to be chosen by the 
commissioned officers. The 4th company met 
again at Deacon Bullock's March 28, when the 
officers came to take proper measures to settle 
the company. It was put to vote whether the 
company would sign a covenant to obey them, 
and they could not get a vote ; then the captain 
asked a dismission of the soldiers, but they 
refused, and then he declared he would not 
serve them in that place. Col. Peck came there 
to list men, but none listed that day. " " May 
29th, 1776, this company met at Hezekiah 
Martin's and drew up before his door. Elder 
John Hix prayed with them ; then they marched 
into a field ; the roll was called, arms inspected, 
then exercised till they were ordered to fire ; 
when eleven men left the company, and after- 
wards others as the officers showed no authority 
over them." 

Sometime in the Winter of 1775-6 it is quite 
certain Daniel Hix was in government service, 
for ** Lieutenant Bowen, Sergeant Cambell and 
Elisha Mason went to Roxbury for money for 
the soldiers." Once D. Hix went with Abiah 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 9 

Jenkins and Wheaton Luther to Roxbury and 
Watertown. They arrived home Feb. 29th with 
the money, and stayed at Elder John Hix's that 
night. " March 2, paid Daniel Bullock and 
Richard Lee their money and took a receipt for 
the same." 

''March the 5th, 1776, a part of a company 
listed under Peck ; " who was probably the 
Capt. Peleg Peck under whom Daniel served in 
the fall of 1777 in Tiverton, R. L 

From the various records of farm work, &c., 
it is quite certain that Daniel Hix lived in Re- 
hoboth during most of 1776. March 2, 1777, 
he was married to Mary Kelton, daughter of 
Capt. John Kelton, whose family is well known 
in Rehoboth. In Oct. 1777, he served 17 days 
more in the coast guard at Tiverton, R. L, in 
Capt. Ichabod Wade's company in Col. Will- 
iams's regiment. 

With their various disadvantages, it cannot 
be doubted that these terms of service were 
beneficial in forming in young Hix the habits of 
order and promptness for which he was after- 
wards noted. It is said that in the course of his 
military service he sometimes preached for the 
amusement of his comrades, which folly caused 
him regret in later years. 

As far as known, his religious experience 



lO A SKETCH OF 

began Dec. 9, 1779. He came from work one 
night and found his wife had gone to meeting. 
While eating his supper his thoughts took a 
serious turn, and he resolved to go and return 
with her. At this meeting he decided to begin 
a Christian life. He writes afterwards, '* My 
distress and trials cannot be written, nor my 
joys when delivered, Dec. 17, 1779." Baptized 
by Elder John Hix, the same month he joined 
his brother Jacob Hix's church. " The Lord 
only knows why this should be, but I believe he 
means it for good to Zion, and I immediately 
found the Lord never meant his children should 
hide their tallow under a bed or bushel, nor 
their talent in a napkin." This view was what 
might have been expected of such an earnest, 
energetic disposition. His mind was much 
exercised for souls out of Christ, and he says, 
" I conferred not with flesh and blood though 
my strength was small." 

With a solemn sense of his responsibility, he 
yielded to the persuasion of friends, and preached 
his first sermon from Jeremiah, IV, 19, (which he 
says "was gloriously opened to my mind,") 
March 13, 1780. 

The following part of a letter from Elder 
John Hix was probably sent to Daniel soon 



ELDER DANIEL IIIX. I I 

after his ordination, which took place in July, 
1780. 

To Brother Daniel : 

O brother Daniel, be humble; carry low sails. I tremble for 
you, ordained so soon after conversion. I trust I had been 
religious ten years, and preached four years but not ordained, 
being three or four years older. I preached for you a little that 
night, and pray you may take good advice; let your experienced 
father counsel you, and be humble and teachable. You are so 
newly come to the faith, I am afraid like Uzziah of old you may 
give wrong touches to the ark which is the cause of religion; 
be good and religious, brother Daniel. 

Soon after ordination his way was opened to 
live in Dartmouth, at which time he wTites : 
*' My soul so loveth the Lord and the cause of 
my master, on the 5th of April, 1781, I left 
my honored father and loving mother, and all 
that was near and dear and delightful but Jesus 
and Christians' conversation, which is more than 
all earthly friends, and came to labor and im- 
prove my gifts in Dartmouth, with a branch of 
Elder Jacob Hix's church which lay nigh my 
heart and has for twelve months past, and at 
their repeated request. O Lord, bless my poor 
soul, and grant that my labors, private and public, 
may be blessed to the advantage of Zion and 
convincing to sinners of the error of their ways." 

From the foregoing it is clear that Daniel Hix 
was perhaps strong willed and impetuous, but 



12 A SKETCH OF 

with reflective faculties capable of correct judg- 
ment, even in youth ; he was not guided so 
much by feeling as by reason, and he certainly 
possessed deeply settled convictions of truth, 
which he preached with a strong faith in their 
ultimate triumph. He had a well-balanced 
mind, which counted the cost of every enter- 
prise, and when undertaken it was prosecuted 
with wisdom and zeal. These qualities are the 
elements of real greatness, and enabled him to 
impress society as few men of the present age 
have done. He was called eccentric ; doubtless 
he was so in his modes of preaching, which 
grew out of a real wit natural to the man ; but 
there was usually an object in view which was 
secured by these odd expressions. Besides 
being limited in general culture, he was in 
harmony with the age in using the most direct 
and striking language to convey his ideas. 

He once held a meeting in the south part of 
Dartmouth. After meeting he said to a man 
present, ''Some tears shed to-day." "They 
were not caused by your sermon," replied the 
man, probably afraid of a direct appeal. " No, 
I suppose not," said the Elder ; '' they were 
doubtless caused by your wicked actions." 

On one occasion he met a man much intoxi- 
cated ; he was passing by, when the man called 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 3 

with drunken familiarity, " Why, Elder, don't 
you know me ? You converted me twenty years 
ago." "Ah," said the Elder, "it looks like 
some of my work ; I don't believe the Lord had 
much to do with it." 

We copy the following from the Old and 
New, a paper published by Rev. O. A. Roberts 
on the seventieth anniversary of the organiza- 
tion of the North Christian Church in New 
Bedford, Mass., January 25th, 1877 : 

He [Elder Daniel Hix] preached not by constraint, but 
willingly; nor for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind. His 
sermons were long, often two or three hours; and although 
not carefully prepared, they were so remarkable for strength 
and originality of thought, so practical and full of the Holy 
Ghost, that his hearers never tired. He held a revered, beloved 
and sacred place in the hearts of multitudes in this region. He 
was often called away to officiate at ordinations, installations, 
and four-days meetings. At the close of one of these latter, 
held somewhere down on the Cape, where the brethren were 
rich in faith only, a brother arose, hat in hand, and said Elder 
Hix had been with them several days, they had enjoyed a 
precious season, and he would now proceed to take up a 
collection in his behalf. "Don't, brother, don't," said the 
good Elder; "you're welcome to my labors, and my heart's 
with you and I feel for you. When I came down here I had a 
little change in my pocket, and I 've been thinking all the time 
how I could divide it round amongst you. If you won't say 
anything about it I won't, — but don't pass round the hat." 
Elder Hix often labored all night long at his trade while his 
faithful wife wove at her loom in order to meet their temporal 
C 



14 A SKETCH OF 

wants and give him time to attend to his ministerial duties by 
day. 

We are indebted to the memory of Elder 
Moses How and the pen of Elder B. S. Batch- 
elor for the following account of the first 
meeting of Elders Hix and John Leland : 

These two eccentric men had never met each other, but had 
corresponded, Mrs. Hix was in the house alone, except a young 
girl who assisted her about her work, when a stranger came in, 
and after the usual salutations took a seat on the dye-tub in a 
chimney corner, and taking out his pipe commenced smoking. 
Mrs. Hix, not liking his ways, sent the girl into the field to call 
her husband. He came in immediately and looked at the 
stranger. "How d'ye do?" was the opening salutation, 
answered by " How d'ye do? " Elder Hix then took his pipe 
and began to smoke as he walked the floor. Soon the stranger 
called him by name. " You have the advantage of me," said 
Elder Hix ; " you know my name, and I should like to knot\' 
yours." "Why do you ask my name?" said the stranger, 
"seeing it is secret? " "I never heard of but one that had a 
secret name, and that was an angel, and I guess you are not an 
angel unless you are a fallen one," was the reply. After a 
pause. Elder Hix pushed his inquiry by asking, "Where are you 
from?" The answer was, " From the wilderness." " Where 
are you bound? " " For the land of Canaan." "It is doubtful 
if you ever get there." Another pause, and Elder Hix said, 
" I should like to know your name." "John, sir, John," was 
the reply. "John what?" "John Leland, sir." "Don't 
believe it," was the incredulous answer. " He that believeth 
not shall be damned." This parleying had now lasted half an 
hour; but when Elder Hix became sure that it was his hitherto 
unseen friend they embraced each other and wept hke children, 
and spent the most of the night together in conversation. 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 5 

The following illustrates his style in the 
pulpit. The Elder had great love for trapping 
foxes, and he turned his experience to account 
in this wise. When preaching his anniversary 
sermon after a forty years pastorate, he said : *' I 
have preached here these forty years, and some 
of you are no better than you were when I 
began. You make me think of an old fox that 
I tried to catch.- I baited the trap but the fox 
came and stole my bait. I set it again and 
baited it, and he came again and stole it. Then 
I turned the trap bottom up, and that night I 
caught him. Now some of you have been 
stealing my bait all these years. The Lord 
help me to turn the trap up-side down !" 

That Elder Hix's love for fun did not pass 
away with youth is evident from the following 
anecdotes. 

A Mr. John Andrews sometimes went hunting 
with him, and on one occasion the Elder, 
walking in front, grasped a bush, holding it 
until John was in the right position, when he 
let it go, switching him smartly in the face. 
Some emphatic remarks followed from the in- 
jured party, and Elder Hix replied, " Hush, hush, 
John ; I held it as long as I could." 

The same man was a good friend of Elder 
Hix, though not a church member. Once on 



l6 A SKETCH OF 

receiving his pay for mowing, he dedined pay 
for one day's work, saying he would take that 
in preaching. " I don't know about that, John," 
said the Elder; " I shouldn't want to chase you 
through the woods bee hunting on Sunday to 
pay you in preaching." 

Another characteristic of Elder Hix was a 
native shrewdness, manifest in conversing with 
an educated Calvinist clergyman, who ques- 
tioned him as to the nature of evangelical 
repentance. '' Define evangelical," said Daniel. 
" Why, that repentance which is unto salvation." 
''Ah," said Elder Hix, "that is what I preach, 
— repentance unto salvation." 

A little girl in the same minister's society 
wished to be baptized. The preacher objected, 
saying she knew nothing about circumcision. 
**Ah," said Elder Daniel, "circumcision nor 
uncircumcision availeth anything, but a new 
creature." 

He evidently felt but little respect for useless 
forms, but sought the life and power of experi- 
mental piety, which course kept him in advance 
of the people. In this work his native common- 
sense made him judicious in the choice of 
means, and he probably made as few mistakes 
as any preacher of his time. His success as 
pastor and evangelist was almost unrivaled ; his 



ELDER DANIEL HLX. 1 7 

work extended nearly over and even beyond 
Bristol county, and he held the respect and love 
of thousands of people. 

He seems to have been a spiritual man in the 
best sense of the word. Prayer was his delight, 
while he taught and believed the doctrine of 
trusting in God for blessings needed in daily 
life. On one occasion he made a preaching 
tour to Fall River, from there to Connecticut, 
where he preached once or more ; then being 
furnished with a lunch of johnny-cake and 
cheese, he started to return home. On his 
way was a ferry, and he had but a ninepence in 
his pocket, not enough to carry him over. He 
stopped to let his horse feed, and ate his lunch, 
and then prayed most earnestly for direction, 
after which he remounted and rode on. He 
soon heard a traveller behind him, who rode up 
and told him he heard him preach the night 
before, and then saying his business required 
haste, he shook hands with Elder Hix, leaving 
in his hand several pieces of silver money, and 
rode on. This incident verified his faith, and 
he sometimes related it in later years. 

Perhaps it was on this tour that he overtook 
the Dutchman driving to the meeting to be held 
that night. Elder Hix kept up with him, and 
after meeting, the Dutchman said to him, " I 



l8 A SKETCH OF 

thought you might be a surly old deacon, but 
did not think you were a preacher. I find you 
are a preacher and your preaching has a witness 
with it." 

Elder Hix was strongly attached to his church 
and people. When asked once about going to 
Middleborough to live, he replied, "If I go 
there I shall have to remove my family there." 
"Of course we expect that," said the friend. 
"But," said the Elder, "it would be very diffi- 
cult to remove the whole church of Dartmouth 
there with me." 

As an instance of his strength and activity, 
he once saved a burning house while the men 
were away to town meeting, by walking on the 
roof, holding a line attached to the chimney, 
while women handed water to him through the 
scuttle. 

The daring courage of the man was exem- 
plified in his religious work. We have little 
idea of the virulence of different sects towards 
each other during the early part of the present 
century. Baptism, the doctrines of election and 
the trinity, claimed much attention, while the 
scholarship of the age was exhausted in proving 
the respective creeds. It required much wisdom 
with real courage, to carry out any plan of 
religious improvement; yet Elder Hix seems to 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. I9 

have pursued a course which secured the 
present welfare of the church and also laid the 
foundation for future successes. 

His success was not accidental nor ephemeral, 
but obtained by forecast and industry. It 
could hardly be said that Elder Hix was a man 
of genius, unless a combination of common- 
sense faculties made him so ; but for a large 
judgment in organizing and executing plans of 
religious improvement in his field of labor, he 
has rarely been equaled. He seems to have 
recognized the conditions of the best success, 
and after due thought pressed forward with 
energy in the path of duty. As a result, success 
came — a true and lasting success in developing 
the religious forces of his large society. He 
must have had enemies, and he speaks of deep 
trials, especially before the church was dropped 
from the Baptist denomination. He was doubt- 
less slandered w^hile pursuing a course that he 
felt was necessary to the welfare of the church, 
but we hear of no harsh expressions in return. 
He held his doctrines firmly, ever appealing to 
the scriptures as their support, and displayed 
more than ordinary ability in defending them 
from attack. 

From 1801 to 1813 was a period of almost 



20 A SKETCH OF 

continual revival, especially during the years 
1805, 6, 7 and 8. 

Jesse W. Nichols, the former clerk of the 
church, says of the change of the church : 
•'While the old members were more or less 
opposed to any new doctrine, the infusion of 
new converts from the surrounding country, 
coming in by scores, carried all before them. 
The old members nearly all retained Calvinistic 
sentiments, but as the work was moving on in 
all directions, in New Bedford, Taunton, Free- 
town, Westport, Middleborough and Beech 
Woods, they could not stop it. This helped 
Elder Hix keep the church together ; not one 
left the church. Some appeared dissatisfied 
for a while, but kept their places. People 
followed Elders Elias Smith and Daniel Hix as 
sheep do their shepherds, to the great dis- 
pleasure of all Calvinists. Smith preached in a 
ropewalk to large congregations ; think I have 
seen nearly one thousand people following him 
through the streets of New Bedford on Sundays, 
singing as they went. I have been with a 
dozen or more following Elder Hix to his 
meetings as far as Rehoboth, finding dinner 
prepared for us all on the way." This was in 
1807. 

Such a period of prosperity had its peculiar 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 21 

dangers as well as blessings. We are told by 
an aged lady, Mrs. Adams, that sometime in 
1811, Elder Hix being away from home, a 
preacher named Farnham began to hold meet- 
ings in the northeast part of the town ; quite a 
revival followed, and certain peculiar notions 
were soon after taught and practised by some 
of the converts. The following statements of 
Rev. Asa Coan are confirmed by the aged sister 
just named. " Mr. Farnham taught the people 
that they were all in great danger of being lost 
on account of their pride and disobedience to 
the commands of the Savior. He told them 
the Master said distinctly that except they be 
converted and become as little children they 
could not enter the kingdom of heaven. He 
soon found followers. When they met for 
worship, they laughed, played and talked in a 
childish manner ; they would climb trees and 
bark like dogs when out of the house. At their 
homes they would build stick houses, run under 
the bed or table when strangers came, and 
performed many other such pranks as might 
be expected of very silly and untaught chil- 
dren." On Elder Hix's return he was called 
on to decide the questions raised by this new 
doctrine. As might have been expected, he 
took a decided stand against it, which called 



22 A SKETCH OF 

forth some very strong language from the new 
minister. Elder Hix's influence however was 
sufficient to end such nonsense in this section at 
least. 

The following description of Elder Hix in 
the later years of his life is given by Elder 
George N. Kelton : 

I had occasionally seen and heard him for years, but in 
memory he is photographed as I saw and heard him at a con- 
ference of ministers in Swanzey, Mass., September, 1830. 
The impressive services of the day were about to close. A 
feeling of deep interest pervaded the audience, when an aged 
man of medium height, compact, muscular build, broad chest 
and shoulders, short neck, brushy iron gray hair, heavy beetle 
brows, and broad, swarthy features, slowly arose in the pulpit, 
ejaculating, " When the lion roars, the weaker beasts tremble, 
eh? The lion of the tribe of Judah has roared to-day, and 
there is an awful trembling in the camp." In the man I saw 
a lion type, and in his words heard Judah's lion in princely 
right and dignity. Lord of lords and King of kings, earth's 
Savior, man's Redeemer, in this sacrificial humility, the Lamb 
of God that taketh away the sin of the world, and tremblingly 
rejoiced that I could call him mine. 
*********** 

I think it was the following September that I met Elder Hix 
at a conference near Newport, R, I. After most of the 
younger ministers had spoken of their labors and prospects, he 
arose and thanked God that he had lived to see that day — had 
lived to see so many young men able ministers of the New 
Testament — " and I suppose you want to hear from the old 
man." He then drew a word picture of an old ship long at 
sea, with barnacled hull, stranded shrouds, rent sails, and 
disabled spars, but with cargo safe ; yes, said he, freighted with 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 23 

grace and bound for glory, being towed into port by the grace 
of God. Meantime the waves of the Atlantic were distinctly 
heard breaking upon the beach. Then, comparing converts to 
a nest of young robins, he exhorted the brethren to feed and 
care for them if they would build up the church. 



Soon after Elder Kelton began to preach, he 
called at Elder Hix's home. He says : "His 
wife, usually called Aunt Mary, gave me a very 
cordial welcome. She was proverbially social 
and companionable ; and as the Elder was 
heard coming in, she remarked, * Friend Hix is 
sometimes very taciturn, and you must not 
think it strange if he is not inclined to talk 
much.' Subsequently, when teaching in North 
Dartmouth, I occasionally passed a night with 
these old folks, and usually found them both 
communicative." It must have been in March, 
1827, he called on them and was invited to stay 
all night. He says : '' Seated before the old- 
time wood fire. Aunt Mary made inquiries 
about the families of their old friends and 
relatives in Rehoboth, and related many remi- 
niscences of the past. Her sociality abating, at 
an early hour I arose and proposed to retire. 
The old Elder, who had been sitting in entire 
reticence, apparently more asleep than awake, 
now roused up, saying, * Don't be in a hurry, 
George; don't be in a hurry — sit down. I 



24 A SKETCH OF 

have been thinking. Fifty years ago to-night 
Mary and I were married. * * * * 
Father and brother Jacob were Baptist minis- 
ters. Well, I was a wild youth, but by the 
grace of God I was converted and felt it my 
duty to preach. Brother Jacob had been here 
in Dartmouth and raised a church. Well, 
Mary and I came over here and settled, and 
here we are yet.' He then gave me an 
epitomized sketch of his life, with interesting 
anecdotes of Elder John Leland and other 
Baptist ministers with whom he was intimate, 
the wide extent of his field of ministerial work, 
and the passing of himself and churches of his 
charge from the Baptist to the Christian de- 
nomination. We retired at a late hour, but I 
would gladly have sat and listened until morn- 
ing. Of incidents fresh in memory, one is 
indehble. Said he: 'In my youqger days I 
used to travel considerably, and as we had no 
children Mary used to keep a horse and travel 
with me. Occasionally we used to visit churches, 
relatives and friends in Vermont. On one of 
these visits I was to preach in the Methodist 
church in the afternoon. In the forenoon the 
minister had preached about falling from grace. 
Poor stuff. Better preach about living by 
grace. Well, I commenced the meeting, and 



ELDER DANIEL HLX. 2$ 

was feeling pretty well, and the people soon 
began to respond, ''Amen!" "Amen!" Sol 
thought I would see what Daniel Hix could 
do. I stopped and clapped my hands and 
shouted, "Glory ! " and such another shout you 
never heard. Mary got scared and went over 
into another pew with an old acquaintance. 
When I came down from the pulpit, they 
gathered round me, saying, " Elder Hix, you 
are full of the grace of God." " Oh," said I, 
" full of Daniel Hix." And if you think I ever 
got a chance to preach there again you are 
mistaken. That effort was Daniel Hix — poor 
stuff. I never dared impute it to the grace of 
God ; and now, George, if you are going to 
preach, don't preach Kelton, — it will be poor 
stuff; don't do it.'" 

Some years ago Elder I. C. Goff published 
the following in the Herald of Gospel Liberty : 

Seventy years ago Father Hix was one of the most popular 
Eaptist ministers in Massachusetts, The evidence, aside from 
the unanimous verdict of his cotemporaries, exists in the fol- 
lowing facts. 1st. Large congregations, including many of his 
orthodox neighbors, everywhere waited upon his ministry. 2d. 
He collected in a rural and sparsely populated portion of 
Massachusetts, a church of more than five hundred members. 
3d. His interposition for the settlement of difificulties in his own 
and neighboring churches, as also in neighborhood misunder- 
standings, generally was sought and satisfactory. 4th. When 
seven or eight years later he left the Baptists and united with 
D 



26 A SKETCH OF 

the Christians, his whole church accompanied him. My personal 
recollections of Father Hix extend back some fifty years ago. 
He had then submitted to the inquisitorial examination and 
been pronounced heterodox. This only increased his popu- 
larity. He preached constantly in Dartmouth, Swanzey, 
Rehoboth, Fall River, and New Bedford. * * * * 
He may justly be ranked in point of usefulness with Smith, 
Jones, Plummer, Fernald, and How. ***** 
It was not so much his opposition to the doctrines of the 
trinity or Calvinism that drove him from the Baptists, as his love 
of simple Christianity, Christ and the Bible the only authority 
in the churchy and Christian character^ piety and holiness the 
only conditions of Christian and church fellowship^ which drew 
him to the Christians. 
♦ ♦*****♦*** 

On his trial for heresy before the Warren Association,* the 
moderator as usual proceeded to question the supposed heretic. 

Moderator. Elder Hix, do you believe in salvation by faith 
alone? 

Ilix. I believe James, ii, 24 : Ye see then how that by 
works a man is justified, and not by faith only. 

M. Elder Hix, do you believe in the doctrines of foreordi- 
nation and predestination? 

H. I believe whom he did foreknow, he also did predesti- 
nate to be conformed to the image of his Son. Moreover, 
whom he did predestinate, them he also called : and whom he 
called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he 
also glorified. Romans, viii, 29, 30. 

M. Elder Hix, do you believe in the doctrine of the trinity? 

H. I believe that there are three that bear record in 
heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost : and these 
three are one. I John, v, 7. 

M. Elder Hix, do you believe in total depravity? 

H. Twice dead, and plucked up by the roots. That is as 
near total depravity as anything I can think of. Jude, 12th 
verse. 

* Probably the Groton Conference. 



ELDER DANIEL IIIX. 2/ 

M. Elder Hix, we are not satisfied with your answers. 

H. I did not expect the Bible would satisfy you. 

Elder Hix was once called to baptize a Congregational 
deacon. The deacon's church, a brother deacon, and his 
family especially, were much opposed. But many people, and 
finally the wife and oldest son of the candidate, came to witness 
the ceremony. The son and mortified wife rode double into 
the water and about to where the husband and father was to be 
buried with Christ. The ceremony over, the Elder, leading the 
joyful behever to the shore, repeated the words : 

" Shout,' brethren, shout all around ! 
Satan's kingdom is coming down ! " 

The Pedobaptist deacon had quite trial enough before, but the 
poetjy was more than he could stand. "Elder Hix," said he 
impatiently, " I have always had charity for you, but it is all 
gone now." The Elder readily replied, " It was not the right 
kind : charity never faileth." The scene over, the rude son, in 
attempting to turn his horse with indecent haste, destroyed the 
balance of the mother, and she went backwards into the water. 
Hastening to her rescue, the Elder said, " Good woman, I 
thought you were opposed to going into the water; if I had 
known that you wanted to go into the water, I would have 
assisted you in a much more decent performance." 

When he became old, a successor in the pastorate was elected. 
Elder Hix was desired to preach at his installation. For a 
while he declined, but finally at the earnest solicitation of many 
he compHed. He selected as his text, "Preach the word." 
He said, "When I was young, old ministers said to me, 
* Daniel, you must be a great man.' Well, I said, * How can I 
be a great man?' They said, 'You must read Calvin's Insti- 
tutes and Hopkins's Divinity.' ' Well,' said he, * I read them 
until I got Calvinistn all through my bones, and I verily believe 
if I had not taken a pozverftil dose of the grace of God it would 
have killed me.'' " 

The last time I heard him preach was in Rehoboth in Tune, 
1829. Hundreds listened with rapt attention to his words, and 



28 A SKETCH OF 

often during a discourse of more than two hours, nearly the 
whole congregation wept aloud. 

Elder Hix was evidently a man through life 
of much talent, genuine wit, and with a real 
devotion to duty, which with a larger culture 
would have distinguished him in any profession 
or country. 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 29 



CHAPTER II. 

RELIGIOUS MEETINGS IN DARTMOUTH; ORGAN- 
IZATION OF THE CHURCH; CALL OF ELDER 
HIX ; LIST OF MEMBERS ; ORDINATION ; INSTAL- 
LATION ; DISCIPLINE; SALARY; ELEMENTS OF 
SUCCESS ; SUCCESS IN PREACHING ; GROTON CON- 
FERENCE ; REVIVAL AT LONG PLAIN ; GENERAL 
REFORMATION OF 1788. 

The first part of March, 1780, Elder Jacob 
Hix held his first meetings in North Dart- 
mouth,* and laid the foundation of the First 
Christian church. It is not known by whose 
invitation he came ; but it is probable, like 
most settled pastors of that day, he extended 
his labors in any direction that promised success, 
thus originating many churches which now 
exercise much influence for good. His first 
meeting was held at Caleb Wilbour's house, 
about two miles north of Hixville, at present 
the home of Philip Macomber. The records 
state that *' it was a powerful time, and a Pente- 
cost shower fell on the assembly." In the 
evening he preached again at Richard Collins's, 
who lived some two miles eastward, in from the 

* Appendix, Note A. 
D^ 



30 A SKETCH OF 

highway, one half mile west from Davis Collins's 
residence. This was the beginning of a refor- 
mation which extended in all directions, and 
resulted in the formation of the church the 
following May. It appears from a note in the 
records that Daniel Hix, then but a convert, 
and another, supposed to be Stephen Ingalls of 
Rehoboth, came with Elder Hix on this first 
visit. These brethren remained but a short 
time, for Elder Hix came again March 23, and 
baptized Jonathan Bullock. Saturday, March 
25, ten more persons were baptized. Daniel 
Hix came with his brother again, and remained 
over the Sabbath and preached at Richard 
Collins's. After meeting in the day-time, the 
eleven who had been baptized, with their young 
preacher, " agreed to join together and watch 
over one another in the Lord." 

It appears that the church in Rehoboth 
believed Bro. Daniel Hix had a call to preach ; 
and as he had preached his first sermon on the 
13th of March, this must have been his first 
effort to conduct meetings alone. But the 
people were satisfied, and the agreement of the 
eleven converts was in accordance with Elder 
Jacob Hix's advice. How long Brother Daniel, 
as he is called, remained here, is unknown, but 
the work went on and the number of converts 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 3 I 

rapidly increased. Elder Hix was sent for 
often to baptize, and by the first of May the 
number became so great that ''something more 
was necessary towards organization." All the 
converts agreed to join the church in Rehoboth, 
but the distance was so great they could not 
attend meetings there; therefore the church 
sent chosen brethren to consult with the believ- 
ers here, and all agreed to organize a branch 
church under the care of Elder Jacob Hix, 
which should have the power to receive mem- 
bers, with the privileges of church organization. 
This was in fact the only safe course, as it is 
not to be supposed so many converts were yet 
prepared to act independently. Elder Jacob 
Hix as pastor, counseled this organization, 
which was effected May 21, 1780. 

It was soon found, however, that Elder Hix 
could not meet with them as often as was 
desirable ; and though Daniel came occasion- 
ally, a deeply felt want of pastoral care caused 
them to pray earnestly *'for a shepherd to go 
in and out before them." The meetings were 
held in dwellings, and the time occupied in 
exhortation and prayer with singing, which 
seems to have been productive of good, 
for the revival went on. The church in Re- 
hoboth sent a message of good will, and 



32 A SKETCH OF 

expressed a belief that ''Brother Daniel should 
be ordained as an assistant to his brother." 
This was cordially assented to, and July 12, 
1780, was appointed as the day of ordination. 
The clergymen officiating were Elders Jacob 
Hix, and Elisha Carpenter of Cumberland, R. I. 
There is a tradition that Mrs. Jemima Andrews 
of Dartmouth was the third who laid hands 
upon Elder Hix's head in the act of consecra- 
tion. We can imagine the journey to Rehoboth, 
and the joyful yet solemn services of ordination, 
with the greetings of fellow-disciples, to have 
been an era in the infant church. 

During the Summer of 1780, ''the work still 
continued." Prayer meetings were held, with 
occasional visits from Elder Daniel Hix, and 
the number of converts increased to sixty. 
The burden of prayer in the church still seemed 
to be " for a shepherd after God's own heart." 

This Summer, the records say that " some 
talk was had of settling Elder Daniel as pastor; 
though his gifts were small, yet they were 
advantageous to us, and there seems to grow a 
union towards him." Nothing was done, how- 
ever, until a church meeting was held at Stephen 
Andrews's house, Dec. 9, 1780. After much 
prayer for guidance, a letter requesting Elder 
Daniel Hix to come and take charge of the 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 33 

church was written, and signed by the sixty- 
three members of the church. 

The following named members appear to 
have been the signers of the call, as they 
comprised the whole church at that time. The 
two or three additional names perhaps were 
added before the church book was obtained. 



John Andrews, dismissed 1 78 1. 
David Bullock, removed 1787. 
Jonathan Bullock, dismissed Sept, 26, 1782. 
Thomas Booth, removed Jan. 30, 1 783. 
Deacon Richard Collins, ordained Oct. 10, 1781. 
Thomas Castle, removed 1 782. 
Benjamin Cornell, removed 1782. 

Perry Davis, a preacher, removed to Cumberland, R. I.; 
died Dec. 3, 1787. 

Edmund Davis, died Dec. 27, 1848. 

Ichabod Davis, dismissed Sept. 20, 1 784. 

Deacon Abial Davis, died Sept. 28, 1840. 

George Gelatte, admonished March 9, 1782. 

Gideon Hathaway, dismissed April 6, 1782. 

"William Reed, dismissed for enlisting in the army, 1 781. 

Deacon Alexander Mason, dismissed. 

Derius Thurber, removed Jan. 30, 1783. 

Cromwell Thurber, removed Jan. 30, 1783. 

James Young, clerk of the church, removed April, 1788. 

Hannah Andrews. 

Anna Andrews. 

Jemima Andrews, died April 15, 1 824. 

Keziah Andrews. 

Permelia Andrews. 

Sarah Allen. 

Amea Allen, dismissed May 4, 1782; restored 1784. 



34 A SKETCH OF 

Mrs. David Bullock, removed 1787. 

Abigail Butts. 

Mary Babcock. 

Submit Baker. 

Sarah Booth, dismissed Sept. 25, 1782. 

Susanna Brightman. 

Sarah Brient. 

Hannah Bennett. 

Elizabath Collins. 

Rachel Collins. 

Mary Collins. 

Rhoda Collins. 

Sarah Chace. 

Lovice Davis, died Dec. 15, 1834. 

Susanna Davis, died June 2, 1792. 
Jemima Edwards, died May 21, 1781. 

Elizabeth Edwards. 

Abagail Earls, died Sept. 20, 1782. 

Elizabeth Harrason, dismissed March, 1783. 

Rhoda Hathaway, dismissed Sept. 9, 1782. 

Patience Hathaway, admonished March 3, 1781 

Lillis Laton [perhaps Lawton.] 

Elizabath Latin [or Lawton.] 

Hannah Latin. 

Charity Mason. 

Sarah Mingo. 

Mary Potter, dismissed 1786. 

Mercy Pearce. 

Elizabath Pendol, 

Sibbil Pearce, died Jan. "27, 1786. 

Sarah Phillips. 

Hannah Phillips, dismissed March 9, 1782. 

Rebecca Rights. 

Anna Reed, set aside; restored 1788. 

Mary Rider, dismissed April 6, 1782. 

Deborah Seems. 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 35 

Content Reed, dismissed. 

Mary Reed, dismissed. 

Susanna Samson, died Feb, 6, 1783. 

Mary Winslow. 

Content Winslow. 

While waiting the result of their letter, the 
following articles for the future government of 
the church were drawn up and adopted at a 
church meeting held at Richard Collins's, 
January 20, 1 781. 

ARTICLE I. 

A church meeting that is appointed or stated, has a right, 
when met together, to act on matters that arise in the church. 
If some members neglect the meeting, those who meet have a 
right to act as they think will be for the glory of God and the 
advantage of the church. Amen. 

ARTICLE II. 

No member to be received to the Lord's supper, nor as a 
member of the church, to the grief or burden of any that are 
wholesome members of the church; but if a person offers to 
join as a member, and the church receive him save one or two, 
and if they can produce no reason why they cannot, they shall 
attend a church meeting, and if the church finds them members 
have prejudice against the person that offers to join, the church 
has a right to be a judge and deal with the members for having 
had against them that offer to join the cause of God and the 
church of Christ. Amen. 

ARTICLE III. 

We do withdraw all fellowship from any brother that goes 
and joins in shedding of blood, or goes to war for the sake of 



36 A SKETCH OF 

honors or money; but if the authorities oblige us to support the 
war, we grant liberty to our brethren if they can go, to go, or to 
answer the law as they think proper, judging for themselves as 
they can answer a clear conscience, as every one must answer 
for one at the last day. Amen. 

ARTICLE IV. 

We do not believe it right for one brother to judge over 
another brother's conscience; but freedom to be granted for 
each one to go as far as the Lord shows them by his Spirit their 
duty to do, and they are to judge none nor condemn none 
because they cannot see so far as they do; therefore we grant 
liberty for any brother or sister to join in worship of the Lord 
Jesus wherever they may find a number of Christ's disciples, 
and to act just as far with them as the Lord teaches them by 
his Spirit; if it is to commune with them, it be no offence to us. 
And our elder, when the Lord opens the way for one to take 
the charge of us, we give him liberty to administer the glorious 
ordinances of baptism, laying on of hands, or the Lord's supper, 
to any disciple or disciples of Christ wherever his Lord and 
Master sends him and opens the doors, and the same freedom 
and privileges as the other members, having worship and 
communion wherever he finds Christ's spirit in the children of 
men. 

ARTICLE V. 

If any brother or sister finds that they can be more benefited 
by joining any other church, they shall be dismissed, as we do 
not mean to make the church a prison; they shall have the 
same door to go out as they had to come in, as the Lord hath 
granted every person liberty. 

ARTICLE VL 

As it is necessary that the church know each other's minds, 
how they stand towards the church, and how they fare, both in 



ELDER DANIEL HLX. 37 

spiritual and temporal things, to which church meetings are 
appointed for that purpose, and them members that neglect 
their duty, and the church receive no information from them in 
two church meetings, we think it proper to send their minds by 
some brethren to the church, how they fare in this troublesome 
world. Amen. 

At the church meeting when the above articles 
were adopted, Jan. 20, 1781, three brethren 
were chosen to sign acts or letters in behalf of 
the church ; James Young, Ichabod Davis, 
Perrey Davis. At this meeting Jonathan Collins 
joined the church. A letter from Elder Daniel 
Hix was also received at this time, in which 
"he gave them to understand that he would 
take his lot with them as soon as the way was 
open for him to live here as to temporal affairs." 
This, as might be supposed, caused great joy, 
and such arrangements were made that he was 
able to move April 5, 1781, into Dartmouth to 
a life-long pastorate. 

At the March church meeting, the church 
agreed to prepare a book for the records of the 
church, and to call upon all the members to 
fulfil their obligations to God and each other. 

At this meeting, the first case of discipline is 
recorded as follows : ''Patience Hathaway was 
admonished by Elder Hix with other brethren 
in behalf of the church for these reasons, ist, 
for saying she had more delight in the world's 
E 



38 A SKETCH OF 

company than in Christian company. I Tim. 
V, 6, 7. 2ndly, for declaring that she would draw 
as many of the church into sin as she could, 
which is contrary to the doctrine of Christ and 
the apostles. Matt. VI, 24; Heb. ill, 13. 

The first death in the church occurred soon 
after, that of Jemima Edwards, May 21, 1781. 

The separate organization of the church was 
effected June 2, 1781. The church members 
met by appointment, and after Elder Jacob 
Hix had expressed his fellowship for them as a 
sister church, the church formally chose Elder 
Daniel Hix for its pastor, which position *'he 
accepted until further light doth appear." He 
also joined the church with his wife about this 
time. ''Brother Richard Collins was chosen 
first deacon at this meeting." 

The next month, July 7, James Young was 
elected clerk, and several brethren chosen as a 
committee to act in behalf of the church. 

The following is the confession of faith and 
covenant of the church, probably adopted June 
2, 1781. 



ELDER DANIEL IHX. 39 

The Confession of Faith and Covenant of the 
Baptist Church of Christ in Dartmouth, under 
the pastoral care of Elder Daniel Hix, organ- 
ized May 21, \j8q, 

Art I. We believe that there is but one only living and true 
God, who is a spirit, infinite, eternal and unchangeable in his 
being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth. 
Deut. VI, 4; John, iv, 24; Psalm CXLVII, 5; James, i, 17; 
Isaiah, XL, 28. 

Art. 2. That there are three persons in the Godhead, who 
are but one God, the same in substance, equal in power and 
glory. I John, V, 7; Phil, ii, 6. 

Art, 3. That the holy scriptures of the Old and New Testa- 
ments are the words of God, which he hath given as our only 
perfect rule of faith and practice. II Tim. iii, 15, 17. 

Art. 4. That God, who is infinite in knowledge, and per- 
fectly views all things from everlasting to everlasting, hath 
foreordained whatsoever comes to pass, either by his order or 
permission, shall work for the eternal glory of his great name. 
Acts, XV, 18; Rom. IX, 17, 23; Acts, ii, 23; II Tim. ill, 16. 

Art. 5. In the beginning God created the heavens and 
earth, the sea and all that in them is; and he upholds, governs 
all things by the word of his power. Ex. XX, 1 1 ; Heb. I, 5 ; 
Dan. XI, 35. 

Art. 6. That God made man in his own image in knowledge, 
righteousness and true holiness, and made with him a covenant 
of life, the conditions whereof were perfect obedience. Gen. 
n, 16, 17; Gal. II, 10. 

Art. 7. Man, being left to himself, soon fell from that 
happy and glorious estate in which he was created, by eating 
the forbidden fruit, whereby he brought himself and his posterity 
into a state of death. Gen. ill, 6; Rom. v, 12, 19. 

Art. 8. Man being thus dead, his help and recovery is 
wholly in and from God. Heb. X, 9; Ephesians, II, 8, 6. 



40 A SKETCH OF 

Art. 9. God the Father, of his mere good pleasure, from all 
eternity hath chosen a number of poor lost men in Christ Jesus, 
to eternal salvation. Rom. viii, 29, 30; Ephesians, I, 4, 5. 

Art. 10. Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, hath come 
into the world and taken on him human nature, and in that 
nature hath yielded a perfect obedience to the law that we have 
broken, and suffered death for our sins, and hath brought in a 
complete and everlasting righteousness, and risen and ascended 
to the right hand of God, and ever liveth to make intercession 
for us. Heb. x, 1-9; 11, 4; vii, 25. 

Art. II. The Holy Ghost, and he only, can and doth make 
particular application of the redemption purchased by Christ to 
every elect soul. John, iii, 5; XYI, 7, 15. 

Art. 12. The Spirit of God applies this redemption by 
convincing us of our sinful, lost and miserable condition, and 
then to discovering the glorious Savior as he is offered to us in 
the gospel, in his suitableness and sufficiency, and enabling us 
to embrace him with our whole soul, whereby he is made unto 
us wisdom, righteousness and sanctification. John, xvi, 8, 
12; I Cor. I, 30. 

Art. 13. The life of religion consists in the knowledge of 
God and conformity to him in the inward man, which necessarily 
produceth an external conformity to his word, and brings us to 
live in obedience to his holy will in all our ways and in our 
several places and relations. John, xvii, 3; Matthew, xxill, 
26; Ephesians, ii, 2. 

Art. 14. True believers, being invited to Jesus Christ, by 
faith have communion with God and his Spirit; they are united 
to each other and communion one with another, whereby they 
are made partakers of each other's gifts and graces. I John, i, 
3; Rom. I, 11; Phil. I, 7. 

Art. 15. We believe that the first day of the week, com- 
monly called the Lord's day, is the Christian sabbath. John, 
XX, 19, 26; Rev. I, 10; Heb. iv, 8, 9, 10. 

Art. 16. That God hath appointed the ordinance of civil 
government, of defending of the poor as well as the rich in their 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 4I 

civil rights and privileges; and the civil magistrate's work is to 
banish moral evils, and to encourage moral virtue, without 
touching upon conscience or pretending to dictate and govern 
in the worship of the eternal God, which belongs to Jesus Christ 
the great Law-giver and Head of his church. Rom. xill, 1-4; 
I Peter, n, 13, 15; I Tim, i, 8, 9, 10; Matt, xxiir, 8, 9, lO; 
Luke, XXII, 25, 26; Isa. xxxiii, 20, 22. 

Art. 17. We believe there will be a general resurrection, 
both of the just and unjust, and that God hath appointed a day 
in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by Jesus 
Christ and will reward every man according to his works, when 
the wicked shall be sent into everlasting punishment, and the 
righteous be received into life eternal. John, V, 28, 29; 
Romans, II, 16; Matt. XVI, 27; xxv, 34, 41. 

SECOND PART. 

CONCERNING CHURCH AFFAIRS. 

Art. I. We believe that a visible church of Christ is a 
number of his saints and people by mutual acquaintance and 
communion voluntarily and understandingly covenanting and 
embodying together for the w£>rship and service of God. 
I Peter, ii, 5; I Cor. I, 2; Acts, n, 42, 47. 

Art. 2. That baptism and the Lord's supper are ordinances 
of Christ, to be continued until his second coming, and that the 
former is requisite to the latter; that is to say, that those are to 
be admitted into the communion of the church, and to partake 
of all its ordinances, who upon profession of their faith have 
been baptized by immersion in the name of the Father and of 
the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Matt, xxvni, 19, 20; I Cor. 
XI, 23, 26; Acts, II, I, 4; IX, 18, 26; Rom. vi, 4; I John, 
in, 2, 3. 

Art. 3. Since none but saints can rightly partake of these 
ordinances, therefore the door of the church should be carefully 
kept at all times against all such as cannot give a spiritual 
E^ 



42 A SKETCH OF 

evidence of their union to Christ by faith. I Cor. xi, 27, 29; 
Matt. VII, 6, 15, 20; Eze. XLiv, 7, 9; Isa. XXVI, 2. 

Art. 4. A church thus gathered hath power to choose 
and ordain those officers that Christ hath appointed in his 
church, viz., bishops or elders, and deacons, and also to 
dispossess such officers as evidently appear to walk contrary to 
the gospel, disciplining their members therein; in some such 
cases it is convenient and profitable to request the advice of 
neighboring churches of Christ. Acts, I, 21-26; VI, 3; Num. 
ni, 10; Acts, XV, 6. 

Art. 5. A bishop or elder hath no more power to decide 
any case or controversy in the church than any private brother; 
yet they, having a superior gift for teaching and ruling, ought 
to exercise and improve the same for the benefit of the church, 
and the church ought to be subject to the gifts. Believing that 
the minister is from the Lord while he is rightly acting in his 
place, whose work is to lead in the acting of the church and to 
administer the sacraments, and devote himself to the work of 
teaching, warning, rebuking and exhorting the people publicly 
and from house to house. Matt. XX, 25, 28; I Peter, v, 3; 
Matt. XXVIII, 19; Acts, XX, 20; xxviii, 31. 

Art. 6. The deacon's office is to take care of the poor, and 
to have the oversight of the temporal affiiirs of the church, and 
to minister at the Lord's table. Acts, vi, 2; I Tim. ill, 8, 15. 

Art. 7. Every saint is commanded to be faithful to improve 
every gift and talent that is bestowed on him, in order to which 
there ought to be such gospel freedom that the church may 
know where every particular gift is, that it may be improved in 
its end even to the glory of God and good of his people, and 
the church ought to be subject to such improvement. Rom. 
XIII, 5-8; I Peter, iv, 10, 11. 

COVENANT. 

We do now, in the presence of the great all-seeing and most 
glorious God, and before angels and men, give up ourselves to 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 43 

the Lord Jehovah, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, as our portion 
forever. We give up ourselves unto the Lord Jesus Christ and 
adhere to him as the head of his people in the covenant of 
grace, and rely on him as our Prophet, Priest and King, to bring 
us to eternal blessedness; and acknowledge our everlasting and 
indispensable obligation to glorify him by living a holy, righteous 
and godly life in this present world in our several places and 
relations; and we do engage, by the assistance of the Divine 
Spirit, to improve all our time and strength, talents and advan- 
tages, for his glory and the good of our fellow-men, promising 
by divine help to walk in our houses with a perfect heart, and 
to train up those under our care in the ways of God; and we 
give up ourselves to one another in covenant, promising to act 
towards each other as brethren in Christ, watching over one 
another in the love of God, and to watch not only against them 
that are reckoned more grosser evils, but also against all foolish 
talking and jesting which generates strife, disregarding promises 
and not fulfilling of engagements, tattling and backbiting, spend- 
ing time idly at taverns or elsewhere, and vain and unnecessary 
worldly conversation on Lord's days, and whatsoever else that is 
contrary to sound doctrine to the gospel of Christ, promising to 
hold communion together in the ordinances and discipline of 
his church, according as we are or shall be guided by the Spirit 
of God in his word, expecting that he will yet further and 
gloriously open his word and the mysteries of his kingdom, 
flying to the blood of the everlasting covenant for the pardon of 
our many errors, praying that the Lord would prepare and 
strengthen us for every good work to do his will, working in us 
that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to 
whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. 

(Copied by James Young, November ye i6, 1787.) 

Thus a church was organized, which for 
successful work and influence during the next 
fifty years, has been seldom equaled. Arrange- 



44 A SKETCH OF 

ments were soon after made for a public in- 
stallation, which took place October lo, 1781. 
A council composed of Elder Jacob Hix of 

Rehoboth, Elder Sheldon from , and 

Elder Enoch Goff from Dighton, with lay dele- 
gates from each church, assembled. "Elders 
Hix and Sheldon, with their brethren, expressed 
full fellowship for the sister church. Elder 
Goff could not grant liberty of conscience as 
explained in the fourth article of the church 
by-laws, but otherwise joined and fellowshipped 
them." Elder Goff preached an able sermon 
from Acts, XX, 28 ; and Elder Jacob Hix gave 
the charge of the church to his brother in a 
solemn and impressive manner. 

Brother Richard Collins was ordained at this 
time the first deacon of the church. 

The course of Elder Goff and his brethren 
makes it evident that the Dartmouth church 
occupied a somewhat different position from 
many other Calvinist churches, which ultimately 
prepared the way for its secession from the 
Baptist denomination. It is well known that 
many of the early settlers of Dartmouth were 
Friends ; and that their views of spiritual 
guidance were represented in this fourth article, 
is beyond a question. The ideas of religious 
liberality seem in advance of the age, and to this 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 45 

spirit of progress we attribute much of their 
subsequent prosperity. 

The social condition of the country at this 
time was not encouraging. The revolutionary 
war was still in progress ; one hundred dollars in 
specie were equal to four thousand dollars in 
continental currency; which, with hardships 
and general poverty, must have been very de- 
pressing. It seems strange to people living 
here to-day, that a church could have been 
formed under such circumstances. Yet there 
were elements of .strength here ; the people 
were hardy, persevering, and determined, in 
whatever they undertook; whether they made 
shingles or preached the gospel, it was done 
with energy. Their emotions were strong, if 
reason was uncultivated ; and settled religious 
conviction often gave depth and stability of 
character, where school advantages were want- 
ing. 

In the Summer of 1780, Elder Daniel Hix 
baptized, on his visits to Dartmouth, Ira Phillips, 
who afterwards became a preacher; Mary 
Gillat; Elizabeth Chase; a person named Car- 
penter; Mary Booth; Sarah Handy; Darkis 
Wampom; Church Winslow; Jonathan Latin 
(or Lawton) ; and Sally Reed. On his twenty- 
fifth birthday, Nov. 30, 1780, he baptized Luce 



46 A SKETCH OF 

Durfee; Jan. 12, 1 781, he baptized PoJly Read ; 
March 29, two colored persons, names unknown, 
went forward. The first candidates after he 
moved here were Jeams Gifford, May 6, 1781, 
who was afterwards deacon of the church ; and 
Desiar Mitchel. These were the last baptized 
until August, 1784. 

No stated salary seems to have been agreed 
on, but some accounts were kept in Elder Hix's 
handwriting. The people moved his goods 
from the Ferry, and hired a house with some 
improvements for one year, for which they paid 
£'j 10 S. They also paid for ferriage, 9 s. 
The Spring he moved, the church paid for 
hay to keep his cow and sheep, £1 10 s. 
In October, 1781, he went a journey to Rich- 
mond (probably N. H.,) which expense was 
met by a contribution of 15 shillings. The 
first year. Deacon Collins kept eight sheep for 
him ; he also gave him a likely shote, and let 
him have his oxen several days to plow and 
draw firewood. In the Fall after he moved. 
Elder Hix writes, "George Gelatte, with his 
brother John, gave me a quarter of beef, 100 
lbs., and the first Winter they kept a cow for 
me half the Winter." Bro. William Right kept 
his cow the rest of that Winter. This year 
Elder Hix preached ninety-nine sermons ; the 
second year, one hundred and fifty. 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 4/ 

As far as known, his salary for 1782 was as 
follows: "In the Spring Deacon Collins sent a 
boy and oxen to plow one day; " in September 
three days more ; in December, oxen, cart and 
boy one day, drawing wood, and gave him 70 
lbs. beef. William Right gave one day's work 
making shingles, one day chopping wood, and 
one day mowing. John Rogers chopped wood 
for him one day, and gave him one bushel of 
rye. Bro. Alexander Mason brought a load of 
corn for him from the Ferry this year. Abraham 
Ashley also gave him one and a half bushels of 
rye. Mr. Benjamin Winslow kept his horse 
for him during the Winter of 1782. This year 
he received from Stephen Andrews, who after- 
wards became a church member, ''five days' 
work drawing logs with oxen and plowing, and 
a gammon of pork." Bro. John Andrews gave 
him half a sheep, a gammon of beef, and made 
a pair of shoes for him. Some time this year 
"Lydia Chace, Mercy Perce, Phebe Fisher, 
Molly Winslow and Rhoda Collins gave one 
day's work each, breaking wool, also some days' 
washing when Mrs. Hix was poorly." " Also," 
he says, "other sisters showed a willing mind 
from time to time in small things to help us in 
this troublesome world." This shows conclu- 
sively that his principal reliance was on the 



48 A SKETCH OF 

cultivation of his own fields or making wooden- 
ware. 

For the year 1783-4, the following items are 
recorded. "Deacon Collins again sent a boy 
and team to plow two and one half days, and 
gave him a small shote ; in September and 
November two or three days more plowing, 
with a number of small articles from his wife, 
which was a help to support the gospel; in 
September, 1784, one half-bushel of corn, and 
team to plow an acre." 

In 1784, Gideon Rogers gave him four days' 
work. In the Fall of 1784 Bro. William Right 
lent him a beast to ride on to Cumberland, and 
worked for him one day. John Rogers went 
with him to Rehoboth after corn three days, and 
worked one day beside. Bro. Jeams Gifford 
gave one day's work in 1783, and soon after 8 
lbs. of sugar ; in November, 1 784, he gave him a 
pair of shoes for Mrs. Hix. Bro. David Bullock 
gave one day's mowing and a bushel of potatoes. 
In March, 1783, Bro. Abiel Davis worked with 
team two days. Bro. Alexander Mason in 1783 
drew several loads of wood for him, and gave 
him a number of small articles; in May, 1784, 
he gave his pastor the following, — *' several 
hundred of hay, half a bushel of potatoes, half 
a pound of tea, a bottle of rum, with other 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 49 

things that helped him"; in September **he 
plowed one' and one half days and drew in 
the corn, and in November he worked with his 
team drawing stones three or four days more." 
He also gave his minister cloth for a pair of 
breeches and coat, worth i6 s. 3 d. In the 
years 1783-4, Abraham Ashley ''contributed 
meat from time to time, one half-bushel potatoes, 
one bushel of corn, four lbs. sugar, some tea, 
one lb. coffee, some fish, besides other neces- 
saries of great service." John Gillat worked 
two days in 1783, went to Rehoboth with him 
after, a cow, and in 1784 gave him enough logs 
to make a thousand feet of boards. In March, 
1783, Edmund Davis worked one day, and Bro. 
John Harrason made him two pairs of shoes. 
It was probably this year that he says, ** Sister 
Mary Babcock made me a cotton shirt, also a 
number of small articles, which manifested a 
willing mind." *' Also a number of sisters gave 
me three cotton shirts, and Betsa Latin gave 
me one jacket." This closes the record for 
1784. 

Without doubt the same custom was continued 
from year to year ; the men who chose worked 
on his farm, and with the various articles con- 
tributed, and much personal labor, he was not 
only able to preach, but gradually acquire 



50 A SKETCH OF 

property. It is surprising that he could do 
this, but the plain, inexpensive habits of that 
day, with the gradual rise of real estate and the 
sale of lumber, enabled many of the people to 
do the same. 

The reason of his success in the ministry 
appears plain, when we consider all the circum- 
stances around him. Though not educated in a 
scholarly sense, he was truly educated for his 
place and the people. His strong common- 
sense enabled him to grasp intuitively the 
principles underlying human nature and apply 
them in practical life. He was perhaps not 
broad in his ideas, but he was thorough, and 
his papers give the idea of exactness, with at 
least a cultivation in advance of his people. 
Few in that day had even the advantages of a 
common-school education ; he certainly had its 
equivalent, for agreements and wills are pre- 
served in his own handwriting, which show that 
he was sometimes employed in draughting such 
papers. He was intense, direct and positive in 
his convictions. His knowledge of the Bible 
was great; and if ignorant of the science of 
logic, his arguments were adapted to his hearers, 
and convincing. His personality too had some- 
thing to do with his success ; what he said he 
believed, and his people knew it; he feared 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 5 I 

no danger, and there was a power in his strong 
voice which was not often resisted ; he was of 
the people and they knew he was in sympathy 
with them, and that sympathy, with a dry 
humor, doubtless helped his popularity. 

The first year of his pastorate, he lived in a 
house which stood a short distance west from 
Jason Phillips's. The next year, he removed to 
Wright Lyne's farm, better known as the John 
Millard place. He seems to have bought or 
hired one half the farm and house, in company 
with Stephen Andrews, and lived here eight 
years in one part of the house, while Stephen 
and his wife Jemima occupied the other. One 
incident during this time is worth recording. 
A girl came to Jemima to borrow some corn 
meal, but she, being somewhat quick-tempered, 
refused in a fretful way to let her have any, and 
the girl went away. In a moment, conscience- 
smitten, she prayed for forgiveness, and calling 
the girl back, gave her what she wanted. Aunt 
Mary Hix saw the affair, and asked Jemima 
why she changed her mind. Her reply was, 
**I had to do it to crucify natur." 

While he resided here, Elder Hix saw some 
trials in the church, and also a revival. The 
church meeting of Oct. 5, 1782, elected James 
Gifford deacon in place of Abiel Davis, which 



52 A SKETCH OF 

he accepted the following month, and in Feb- 
ruary, 1783, Brother Alexander Mason was 
unanimously chosen to act as deacon. 

The second death in the church was Abigail 
Erls, Sept. 20, 1782 ; and the third was Susanna 
Samson, the next February. 

The year 1783 brought some trials in connec- 
tion with James Gifford's election as deacon, 
which he ended by resigning, July 3, 1784, 
leaving Dea. Collins with only Dea. Mason to 
assist him. 

The religious interest began to increase about 
this time, and Hannah Raymond was baptized 
in August. The church meeting of this month 
is referred to as one remarkable for spirituality 
and power. This Fall Ruth Mitchel and Lydia 
Chase the aged were baptized, and Jan. 3, 
1785, Peleg Babcock and Chloe Hathaway. 
This was the beginning of a glorious reforma- 
tion. In January, 1785, Bro. Rufus Blossom 
came from Elder Jacob Hix's church, and was 
received as a member here, and a Widow 
Seems, who had been baptized some time be- 
fore, also joined the church. At this meeting 
"Content Reed was dismissed for idle talk, 
foolish jesting, neglecting religious duties, and 
joining friendship with the world." 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 53 

At the February church meeting, Bro. Perrey 
Davis, who had been Hcensed to preach, was 
recommended as pastor to the church at Cum- 
berland, R. I., the letter closing as follows: 
"And now, brethren, if you are fully persuaded 
that 'tis God's holy will to have him come and 
improve amongst you, we can fellowship you, 
but if not, touch not our beloved brother." 
The confidence expressed in Bro. Davis seems 
to have been fully merited. He removed to 
Cumberland, where he labored very acceptably 
until just before his death from consumption, 
Dec. 3, 1787, at the age of twenty-seven years, 
leaving the brightest evidences of a future 
immortality. 

The year 1785 was an eventful one to the 
church. In March, finding no dwelling-house 
was large enough to hold the people, the first 
meeting-house was begun, and was finished the 
first of June ; the work was accompanied wuth 
much revival interest, and the house was filled 
during the Summer months with attentive con- 
gregations. This house was built on the site 
now occupied by the church, and was a plain 
building, furnished with seats instead of pews, 
and warmed by a charcoal fire kindled on a 
hearth in the centre of the room. 



54 A SKETCH OF 

The persons baptized in 1785 were as follows : 
Feb. 28, Stoughton Booth, Keziah Mason, 
Patience Mosher; May 3, Elizabeth Strange, 
Anna Wording; in June, Mary Soule, Sarah 
Strange and Elizabeth Bennett; in August, 
Eunice Tabor, Mary Cooke, Submit Booth and 
Abigail Bennett ; also later in the month, Sarah 
Rider with Charita Mosher; Sept. 3, James 
Woodmansea, Rhoda Woodmansea; Sept. 10, 
Stephen Devoll; on the 25 th, William Collins. 

The first part of October, 1785, Elder Hix 
went a journey to Grafton, N. H., probably on 
a visiting and preaching tour. He came home 
on the 29th, having travelled 450 miles and 
preached seventeen times. He also baptized, 
perhaps in Grafton, William Bowen, Josiah 
Bowen, and James Wheeler. 

In November, Phebe Howland, Lidey Wood- 
mansea and Tucker Tabor were baptized. Bro. 
Tabor afterwards became a preacher, and held 
meetings in his neighborhood (Long Plain,) 
with unusual success. Dec. 6, Bro. Alexander 
Mason was ordained deacon. One more, Grace 
Coombs, was baptized in December, which 
closes the record of baptisms for the year. 

In July of this year, Simeon Clark was 
received as a member from Elder Simmons's 
church in Freetown. 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 55 

The year 1786 was ushered in with one 
baptism, that of Jireh Bennett, while the meet- 
ings continued very spiritual. Four others 
were baptized this year, Roby Ward, Isaiah 
Peckham, Jemima Howlan, and Patience How- 
Ion ; and the deaths included Sibbil Pearce 
Bullock and Elizabeth Strange. 

This year was memorable also for the first 
general meeting or association. The record is 
as follows : 



Elder Silas Burrus of Groton, Elder Philip Jerkins of South 
Kingstown, passing amongst us on a journey, and informing us 
of a general meeting appointed for further acquaintance and if 
the Lord would that they might become one, they gave us notice 
of the meeting and a request to attend, which we take into con- 
sideration, and agree to attend, and made choice of our beloved 
Elder to attend the meeting at Groton, June 20, 1786. 

Our beloved Elder attended the general meeting the 20th and 
2 1st days of June, 1786, was blessed with an agreeable visit, 
found an agreement with several churches, and opened fellow- 
ship M'ith them, viz.. Elder Jason Lee of Lyme, Elder Zadock 
Darrow of New London, Elder Silas Burrus of Groton, Elder 
Isaac Wilcox of Westerly, Elder Philip Jenkins of North 
Kingstown, Elder William Northup, South Kingstown, with 
ours under the care of Elder Daniel Hix. 



After the business was done, Elder Hix 
preached from Song of Solomon, I, 8 ; and 
Elder Northup from Eph. II, 19, 20. The 
conference closed with a prayer meeting and 



$6 A SKETCH OF 

communion. Another meeting was appointed 
at Westerly, the third sabbath in June, 1787. 

In September, 1786, Elder Hix and Bro. 
Edmund Davis were sent by the church to 
Grafton to assist in ordaining a preacher and 
deacons. They went to Cumberland and visited 
Bro. Perrey Davis, and meeting Elder Jacob 
Hix, proceeded to Grafton, where they found 
the brethren in union and love. The council, 
composed of delegates from Dartmouth, Reho- 
both and Canaan, convened Sept. 27, and 
agreed to ordain Bro. Williams as Elder and 
Elkanah Phillips as Deacon. Elder Jacob 
Hix preached, also Elder Daniel, from the text, 
*' Preach the word," and the brethren exhorted. 
It is spoken of as a spiritual season. The next 
day, 28th, Elder Hix set out for Richmond, 
where he arrived the 30th, attended meeting 
there on Sunday, and on Monday started for 
home, where he arrived on Thursday. 

Another member of the church, Grace 
Coombs, died about this time in full assurance 
of faith. 

In the beginning of 1787, a revival began in 
the place called Long Plain, as nearly as can be 
ascertained under the labors of Tucker Tabor, 
who lived there. Near this time Lucy Babcock 
was baptized ; and in February, John Summer- 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 5/ 

ton and Peace Hammon. These probably lived 
in or near Dartmouth, and we know that Ruth 
Kimpton, who was baptized March 12, lived in 
New Bedford. 

This year Elder Daniel Hix extended his 
work, and he afterwards formed branch churches 
of members who lived too far away to attend 
the meetings in Dartmouth. They were con- 
sidered however as members of his church, and 
he visited them often to baptize and hold com- 
munion services. It is difficult to tell sometimes 
where his members lived, for his work and 
influence extended far and wide. 

March 18, Preserved Merihew, Anna Merihew 
and Rebecca Summerton were baptized ; March 
20, Thomas Tabor, Mary Easterbrooks, Abigail 
Rightington; April 3, Comfort Tabor, Patience 
Rightington, Phebe Caine ; April 16, Mary 
Sands, Phebe Blackamore, Experience Fuller; 
April 27, 1787, John Blackamore, Ruth Caine. 
May 29th, 1787, the following named persons 
were baptized : Robert Brownin, Sarah Tabor 
the aged, Lucy Spooner, Hope Hamilton, and 
Deborah Weston. 

April 27th, 1787, the branch church at Long 
Plain was formed by Elder Hix, with seventeen 
members. Elder Jacob Hix visited the place, 
and preached at Brother Summerton's May 



58 A SKETCH OF 

29th. The first Sunday in July, Elder Daniel 
Hix baptized at Long Plain, Luis Gifford, Jenne 
Weston, Sarah Blackemore, Desire Soge, Rhoda 
Rouse, Remember Gifford, Weltha Tabor, Lydia 
Merihew. He says: **A powerful time. 
Blessed be the good God for continuing his 
work." He probably came home soon, and 
baptized Parnal Russell July 15; July 28, 
Sarah Maffet was baptized ; the next month the 
26th, he baptized at Long Plain, Simeon Fuller, 
Mary Greay, Lydia Tabor, Jediah Tabor, 
Eleanor Gifford, Mary Keene, and Sarah Soge. 
Sept. 16, he writes, "Thanks to God for the 
outpouring of his spirit." He baptized this 
same day Ruby Phillips and Mercy Ashley. 
**This was a very powerful day." On Sept. 30, 
Rebecca Gifford was baptized. 

Some time after the general meeting (Groton 
Conference) he writes : '*We, Elder Hix and 
Deacon Mason, attended our general meeting; 
Elder J. Hix joined and had a comfortable 
time ; about two hundred members joined the 
several churches in union the year past; ap- 
pointed the next yearly meeting at Elder 
Northup's church." 

Oct. 3, Priscilla Joinson, Melinthe Joinson 
and Permelia Durfee went forward in baptism, 
and the nth Rebecca Southard. About this 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 59 

time Elder Hix made a tour through the country ; 
having arranged to meet with the branch church 
on the last Saturday of each month, he went 
through Freetown, where he baptized, Oct. 30, 
Israel Burton, Mercy Stanton, and Huldy Stan- 
ton. It is not probable his tour was a long one, 
as the next record is the baptism of Samuel 
Shearman, and soon after Betsa Sears and Mary 
Samson. Nov. 25, Judah Browning. Dec. 9, 
Zilva Davis was baptized. 

In March, 1788, Elder Hix attended a meet- 
ing at Mr. Rounseville's, probably in Freetown, 
which he says "was a powerful day; great 
apparent conviction ; O Lord, I thank thy 
name." At this time he baptized John Law- 
rence, Ichabod Johnson, Hulda Reynolds, Han- 
nah Braley, Hannah Norton, and Polly Pitts ; 
April I, Mary Bly. At a meeting at Mr. 
Summerton's, John Gray and Ebenezer Keene 
were baptized, April 9. The next day, loth. 
Elder Hix had a meeting at Deacon Rounse- 
ville's,* and baptized William Rounseville, Moses 
Norton, Dorothea Howlon, and Freelove Norton. 

The Summer and Fall of 1788 were a busy 
time for Elder Hix, as he was continually 



* William Rounseville, born 1769, became an ordained minister and 
a remarkably eloquent speaker, and he represented the town of 
Freetown in the General Court for ten years. He died Nov. 13, 1816. 



60 A SKETCH OF 

traveling through Freetown, Long Plain, New 
Bedford and Dartmouth, preaching and bap- 
tizing in each place. The following named 
persons were baptized : in New Bedford, April 
19, Amos Bennett, Rube Hammett; April 22, 
in Middleborough, Elizabeth Bly, OHve Hinds, 
Lydia Hardin. April 23d, in Freetown, he 
writes, ** This neighborhood is greatly shaken 
by the mighty power of God." The converts 
here were Abraham Ashley, Roger Haskell, 
Isaac Haskell, Noah Crapo, William Ashley, 
Tabor Ashley, Joseph Braley, Consider Crapo, 
Jr., Waty Crapo, Mary Ashley, Cynthy Crapo. 
He also baptized in Freetown, May 8, Benjamin 
Braley, Richard Crapo, Azubah Crapo, Eliza- 
beth Haskell; May 15, Sarah Davis; May 19, 
in Rochester, George Braley and Sarah Had- 
way; May 21, in Middleborough, Thankful 
Macomber, Anna Ashley, Betsa Luis; May 28, 
Olive Davis, Rachel Booth; June 5, at Middle- 
borough again, John Hinds was baptized ; in 
Freetown, June 10, Hope Capron, Peace Borden, 
Isaac Boomer. In Freetown, June 24, Elder 
Jacob Hix preached, and Elder Daniel bap- 
tized Elizabeth Freelove and Patience Bordin. 
He went to Freetown again July i, and baptized 
a person named Terry and Rachel Bordin; 
from there to Rochester, and baptized Sarah 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 6 1 

Shearman. All this time there was much revival 
interest at home, for Elder Hix writes, July 6, 
" A powerful day, many poor souls in distress, 
and saints rejoice." At this time he baptized 
John Armitage, Keturah Booth, Mercy Shear- 
man, and Welthy Crapo. July 8, he had a 
meeting in Freetown at Mr. Rounseville's, and 
baptized Sarah Rounsevill, Benjamin Mason, 
Gabril Rounsevill, Asa Braly, Easter Borgine, 
Hope White, Hannah Fuller, Delilah Rounsevill, 
and Lucy Braly ; two days after in Middleborough, 
George Douglass, Thomas Rounciville, Philena 
Rounsevill; July i8, at Freetown Narrows, 
Phreborn Francis ; July 27, at Freetown meeting- 
house, Luke Hall and William Hall; Aug. i, at 
Gershom Woddle's in Freetown, Rachel Woddle 
and Sarah Woddle; Aug. 10, Caleb Peckum. 
Aug. 14, Elder Goff preached at Long Plain 
meeting-house, and Isaac Walker, Silas Sweet, 
Mary Sweet and Lydia Hammet were baptized. 
This was another solemn day. The next Sun- 
day at Cranberry Neck, Hannah Randall and 
Bathsheba Peattis were baptized ; at Stephen 
Southard's, Aug. 29, Susanna Bennett; in 
Rochester, Sept. 2, Lienor Winslow; in Dart- 
mouth, 7th, Widow Armatage; on the 28th, at 
** the Lewis meeting-house," Elizabeth Sears, 
Sarah Ashley, Huldah Larronce, Mary Purron- 
G 



62 A SKETCH OF 

ton ; Oct. 7, at John Hinds's, a person named 
Ashley, and Tamer Rowland. This closes the 
list of baptisms for 1788. 



ELDER DANIEL IIIX. 63 



CHAPTER III. 

PREACHING TOUR ; REVIVAL OF 1794-5 ; DOCTRINAL 
DISCUSSIONS ; COUNCIL IN FREETOWN ; REVIVAL 
OF 1 801-2 ; ORDINATION OF ELDER IRA PHILLIPS ; 
GREAT REVIVAL OF 1805-6; ELI AS SMITH ; SER- 
MON OF ELDER HIX ; CHANGE OF THE CHURCH. 

In the year 1788 a convention or council was 
held with ** Elder Lewis's church," when it was 
seen that while no perfect agreement could be 
attained on the doctrine of election, yet " most of 
the members could fellowship Elder Hix's 
church and gave their members liberty to com- 
mune with it, but would dismiss none to its 
watch-care." They opened their house how- 
ever and worshipped with Elder Hix when he 
came the last Saturday in May, and from this 
time Elder Hix seems to have attended the 
church meetings. 

At the general meeting held in June, "there 
was great fellowship and union among the 
churches ; Elder Jeams Sheldon and church 
joined the Conference at this meeting. Elder 
Jason Lee of Lyme preached from Gen. XXIV, 



64 A SKETCH OF 

27, and was followed by exhortations from other 
ministers and brethren." 

About this time Bro. Ira Phillips of the Dart- 
mouth church made some trouble, for a com- 
mittee was chosen to labor with him. 

At the August church meeting in Elder 
Lewis's church, Bros. Ebenezer Keene and Silas 
Sweet were chosen first and second deacons,* 
and the meetings at this time are spoken of as 
being ** comfortable seasons, and the church 
walking in harmony and love." "In November 
two members of Elder Lewis's church joined, 
Hannah Keene and Hannah Durfee." Others 
whose names are recorded on preceding pages 
were baptized and joined the church from time 
to time. 

In March, 1 789, Robert Demoranville, Abigail 
Tinkham and Anna Raymond were baptized ; 
in May five others. Experience White, George 
Tabor, another person named Tabor, with 
Bathsheba Blackinsher, and one named Clark. 



* The meeting here spoken of was probably a meeting of the church 
organized at Long Plain in 1787 by Elder Hix and his brother, and 
held in an old Calvinist Baptist church in which an Elder Lewis then 
or formerly preached. Elder Hix's more liberal ideas at length pre- 
vailed, and the new organization eventually supplanted or absorbed 
the other. There was also a church in Freetown known as Elder 
Lewis's church, and in some places where "Elder Lewis's church" 
is referred to in the church records it is doubtful which of the two is 
meant. 



ELDER DANIEL HLX. 6$ 

June 24th and 25th of this year the general 
meeting was held in Dartmouth. It is said to 
have been very satisfactory, and reference is 
made to minutes, which have been lost. 
. In August Sarah Rogers was baptized. 

The last Saturday in this month, Elder Jacob 
Hix met with a council at the branch church to 
ordain Bros. Ebenezer Keene and Silas Sweet 
as deacons, which was done, Elder Jacob Hix 
preaching a ''worthy" sermon. In September 
Samuel Wilkey was baptized. 

Elder Hix in September made quite an ex- 
tended tour, in company with brothers Keene 
and George Braley. He first went to Elder 
Jenkins's, North Kingstown, " where a council 
was held to settle some difficulties between the 
Elder and the church ; from thence to Canter- 
bury, then to Chesterfield, tarried over the 
sabbath, and after visiting many brethren in 
different parts of the country he returned home ; 
having been absent fifty days, rode about seven 
hundred miles, and preached twenty-five ser- 
mons." 

The next and last record in the old church 
book is the admission of Isaac Howlin to mem- 
bership, Sept. 5, 1790. 



66 A SKETCH OF 

Sometime this year Elder Hix bought and 
removed to the farm on Quann Hill where he 
died. 

There seems to have been but little revival 
interest from 1790 to 1793. No doubt Elder 
Hix pursued his former course of preaching in 
different places, and his time must have been 
fully occupied. Two names are recorded in his 
list of baptisms, June 3, 1792, Mary Reed and 
Abigail Faunce ; and Nov. 23, Deidah Roben- 
son. 

There was some revival in 1793, mostly in 
Middleborough and Rochester. Jan. 25, Joseph 
Leavet and Betsey Besse were baptized ; in 
Rochester, the first sabbath in September, 
Nathaniel Hammond and Thomas Spooner; 
in Middleborough, John Gammons, Job Shear- 
man, Sylvanus Thomas, Jedediah Thomas, and 
Dec. 16 Abial Pearce ; in New Bedford, Dec. 
29, William Gammons. 

In the Spring of 1794 a great revival began 
in Dartmouth, which extended to other places. 
The following named persons were baptized by 
Elder Hix in the year 1794. They belonged in 
different places, and joined either the Dart- 
mouth church or its branches. March i, 1794, 
in Dartmouth, Rebecca Ashley, Hannah Booth, 
Pruda Phillips, Abigail Exerter; March 9, 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 6"] 

Jemima Marthers, Susanna Baker; March i6, 
in Freetown, Elizabeth Hathaway; also the 
next day Niabe Hoskins and Hesikiah Wilboure ; 
and on the 20th, Susanna Tripp, Hannah Read, 
and Thankful Crapo ; March 23, in Dartmouth, 
Jacob Wilbour, Jonathan Petty, Paul Russell, 
Betsey Fisher, Rebecca Russell, Mary Chase, 
Lydia Chase; April 6, Stephen Andrews, 
Nathan Chase, Henery Freelove, Betsa Wilson, 
Robe Washmon, Ruth Mosher, Sarah Upham, 
Squier Wheeler, Leaven Crank; in Freetown, 
April 9, Edward Chase, Mary Hathaway; April 
10, in Middleborough, Wanton Westgate, An- 
drew Perrey, John Gammons, jr. April 13 he 
writes, ''These are the most blessed days I ever 
saw in my society." This day he baptized, in 
Dartmouth, Jeremiah Chandler, Jeremiah Chase, 
Keziah Gelatte, Sarah Wilson ; also April 20, 
Amos Cornell, jr., Anna Jones, Priscilla Smith, 
Huldah Bennett; at Consider Crapo's, April 
24, Lydia Burdin, Christiana Hathaway. In 
Freetown, April 27, Elder Hix says, ''This day 
the meeting-house galleries broke and hurt a 
number of people ; the most surprising scene I 
ever saw, and as great a surprise to the assembly 
as if the day of judgment had come." At this 
date he baptized William Hathaway, John Tobey, 
Alliance Weston, and Priscilla Weston. May 4, 



68 A SKETCH OF 

("thanks to God for the display of his grace,") 
he baptized in Dartmouth Isaac Tripp, Eliza- 
beth Winslow, Rhoda Andrews, Huldah Collins, 
and Nuport Negeormon.* Again of Dartmouth 
he says, "The blessing of the Lord is in this 
place," and baptizes John Gelat, John Winslow, 
Susanna Macomber. May 15, in Freetown, 
William White, jr., and Polly Bates; again in 
Freetown, June i, Lucy Braley; in Dartmouth, 
June 8, Joseph Baker, Reuben Baker, Sarah 
Reed, Hannah Wilbour, Hannah Baker; in 
Rochester, Hannah Tripp, Mariah Ellis; June 
13, in New Bedford, Desire Swift, Amos Braley, 
Mary Andrews, Jediah Gifford. June 19, he 
baptized, in Westerly, R. L, Joanna Wilbur and 
Thomas Cooper ; in New Bedford 29th, Lemuel 
Perry, William Hathaway, Widow Martin, 
Charity Andrews ; in Dartmouth, July 6, Elijah 
Ellis, Reuben Shearman, Zilva Jucket, Betsey 
Russell, Phebe Mosher; in Dartmouth, Aug. 3, 
Lois Shearman, Louise Cornell, Chloe Cornell. 
Sometime this month Elder Hix went to Sand- 
wich, where he baptized Phillis Rogers and 
Lydia Douglass. In New Bedford, Sept. 10, 
Rube Tabor and Betsa Harvey were baptized. 
Sept. 14, Elder Hix writes, "At my meeting- 

* Possibly Newport negro man. 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 69 

house, Enos Wood and Rebecka Reed were 
baptized " ; Oct. 5 , another person named Wood, 
and Polly Chandler, these last on his return 
from Freetown, where Sept. 24 he had baptized 
Edward Chase, Polly Chase, Sarah Lucas, and 
Betsa Chase. In New Bedford, Oct. 17, he 
baptized Content Drew, Jennie Terry, and 
Susanna Wilson. Nov. 15, he visited Westerly, 
R. I., again, and baptized ** three blacks, who 
joined the church in Westerly." Dec. 1 1 he 
baptized in Rochester Zephaniah Robinson, 
Joshua Besse and Experience Ellis, also on the 
25th at the same place, Melissa Ellis, Charles 
Tinkham, Jethro Randolph, and Phebe Mireck. 

The revival of this year made it necessary to 
ordain a colleague with Elder Hix, and John 
Lawrence was ordained Oct. 23 as his assistant. 
He preached mostly in East Freetown, and died 
there some years afterward. He was born in 
Freetown Aug. 30, 1 76 1. 

It was in the year 1795 that we first get 
a view of Elder Hix in a religious discussion. 
A short time previous, a Mr. Swift and wife had 
left a pedobaptist church, and after being im- 
mersed by Elder Hix joined his church; and 
the church from which they came sent through 
its minister an admonition, dated August, 1795, 
censuring them severely for their course. The 



70 A SKETCH OF 

letter charges them with violating the covenant 
of grace and displaying pride and bitterness, 
besides being guilty of the worst kind of perjury. 
While admitting that Mr. and Mrs. Swift had 
changed their views on baptism and acted ac- 
cordingly, Elder Hix proceeds to show in his 
reply that church fellowship is distinct from 
Christian fellowship. He states the situation of 
the parties, and claims that they pursued the 
only course open to them. He assumes the 
truth of human depravity, and insists on spiritual 
regeneration, of which love is the outgrowth ; 
and claims the freedom of religious belief. He 
agrees with the writer of the admonition, that 
the covenant consists of two parts, the outward 
and inward ; and clearly shows the proper 
subjects of baptism. His arguments are well 
stated, and proof texts pertinent. The copies 
of the letters preserved show a good under- 
standing, and his propositions are clearly proved. 
However firmly Elder Hix held his views, he 
was more liberal than many of that day, and 
the sentiments advanced show him to be already 
prepared to embrace the principles of the 
Christian denomination. 

The year 1795 was not so much a revival 
season in Dartmouth as in Rochester, New 
Bedford, and other places. In Rochester meet- 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. /I 

ing-house Elder Hix had a solemn season, Jan. 
23, and baptized at this time Thomas Ellis, 
David Randolph, Jesse Tripp, Ephraim Tink- 
ham, and Mariah Tripp. March 15 he visited 
Rochester again, and baptized Mary Parlor, 
Anna Robenson, Lydia Dexter, and Bathsheba 
Tripp. This he says *'was a day of rejoicing." 
May 17 he baptized in Rochester Unice Ellis, 
Lydia Westgate, Waty Stephens, and Deliver- 
ance Ames. During the month of May there 
was much revival interest in New Bedford ; 
May 31st he writes, ''Thanks to God for his 
work in this neighborhood." He baptized here 
Silas Swift, Deborah Swift, Hannah Sears, 
Temperance Peirce, and Anna Tabor; June i, 
he baptized here, Hannah Drew and Bathsheba 
Swift; in Dartmouth, June 7, Patience Wash- 
burn ; in Freetown, July 26, Mehetable Ashley. 
This was probably on his return from Rochester, 
where on the 19th he had baptized two candidates. 
The next month in Dartmouth Martha Coombs 
was baptized; and Sept. 5, at Bro. Lincoln's in 
Rochester, Widow Mary Clark, Meriah Sher- 
man, and Anna Hammon. Nov. i he baptized 
in New Bedford, Keziah Shearman and Abigail 
Perry; Nov. 15, in Rochester, Unice Tinkham, 
Easter Delanow; Nov. 17, at the Indian meet- 
ing-house in Plymouth, he baptized Edward 



72 A SKETCH OF 

Gowns, Jasper Hall, Francis Liberty, Mehetable 
Hall, and Sarah Liberty. These were the last 
baptized in 1795. 

We have a paper dated June 18, 1795, 
showing the names of members living and dead 
and those who had moved away, exclusive of 
the branch churches ; fifty-one had died, moved 
away or been dismissed, and one hundred and 
fifty-three retained a visible membership. At 
this time Abraham Ashley was deacon in place 
of Alexander Mason, dismissed. 

The year 1796 seems to have been less 
prosperous as far as additions were concerned. 
April 3, in Dartmouth, Rachel Durfee was 
baptized ; and in New Bedford, April 30, Paul 
Hammond and Deborah Shearman. Besides 
these only one baptism, at the Indian meeting- 
house in Plymouth, is recorded. 

In August, 1796, a council called by Elder 
Hathaway's church in Freetown met to settle 
some trouble in that church relative to singing. 
The council comprised pastors and delegates as 
follows : *' Elder Backus and Brother Hath- 
away, Elder Roberson with his two deacons. 
Elder Gofif and Brother Simmons, Elder Burdin 
with Brothers Boomer and Jonathan Reed, be- 
sides Elder Hix with chosen brethren." The 
council was organized by the choice of Elder 



ELDER DANIEL IIIX. 73 

Backus moderator, and D. Hix clerk. Elder 
Lawrence with some brethren were then received 
to a seat in council. After prayer, inquiry was 
made as to the difficulties in the church, and it 
appeared "that half the members were grieved 
on account of the manner of singing." After 
careful investigation, the council retired for 
consultation. The following decision helps us 
understand the case. 

The council conceive that Elder Hathaway took an imprudent 
step in that he did not lay it before the church before it was 
introduced. Second, voted that the government of worship is 
wholly in the church. Third, it appears that those grieved 
have not been exercised with the spirit of the gospel, and that 
their conduct is contrary to divine rule in leaving the meeting 
and in hard sayings against the Elder, We heartily advise 
each and all to confess their faults to one another and to pray 
for one another that ye may be healed. Lastly, we advise the 
church to comply with the request of the society so far as to 
grant them the privilege to sing before prayer in the morning 
and at the close of the meeting; and if those brethren against 
hearing said singing leave the meeting, we advise the church 
not to break communion with them, or those who do not stay to 
break communion with the church that doth stay. 

ISAAC BACKUS, Moderator. 
DANIEL HIX, Clerk. 

We have been particular in the account of 
this council, that the way of doing business in 
those days may be seen. 
H 



74 A SKETCH OF 

But three candidates were baptized by Elder 
Hix in 1797; in Rochester, March 19, a person 
named Besse, and April 16 Joanna Blankenship ; 
also in April, Caleb Boomer was baptized. 

In 1798, Lillis Soule of Dartmouth and one 
person in Rochester were baptized. No other 
candidate went forward until 1 801. This is the 
time referred to in Backus's History as a spirit- 
ually dry season. It is quite certain that Elder 
Hix traveled among the branch churches and 
preached regularly at home, but for nearly 
three years there was no addition to the church. 
During this period the yearly meetings of the 
Groton Conference were maintained, and from 
several reports to that meeting we know harmony 
yet existed ; much zeal is expressed, with regrets 
that infidelity with various immoralities pre- 
vailed. It was evidently a cold time. 

In the Spring of 1801 the drought was broken, 
and showers of grace began to fall. In Dart- 
mouth, March 29, Jonathan Haskins was bap- 
tized ; in Freetown, May i, Noah Hathaway, 
Rosanna Booth, and a person named Gifford ; 
in Dartmouth, June 7, Rebecca Brown; July 5, 
William Babcock, and Aug. I Josiah Hix ; Aug. 
16, Sibel Beadon, Priscilla Allen; Sept. 6, 
Rowland Rider, Elizabeth Rider, Polly Law- 
rence, Nancy Burt, Jonathan Lawton ; Oct. 4, 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 75 

Phebe Chase; 25th, Rebecca Chase; Nov. 22, 
Clothier Peirce ; Dec. 6, Else Dennis, Phebe 
Cook, Susanna Chase. This revival seemed to 
be confined mostly to Dartmouth. Jan. 10, 
1 802, Samuel Cottle, Russell Phillips and Serapta 
Phillips were baptized ; Feb. 7, Anna Gersee 
and Molly Winslow. "March 7 was a good 
day;" Benjamin Collins, Robert Dennis and 
Abigail Millard were baptized. April 4, John 
Millard, William Cornell, Chase Babcock, Polly 
Millard, Phebe Jones, Lucy Rowland, Lovina 
Butts; May 27, Abiel Jones, Richard Beadon, 
Betsey Booth ; July 4, Thomas Lee. These 
are the last baptisms for the year 1802. 

In the early part of 1803 some revival interest 
was enjoyed in New Bedford. March 17 the 
following named persons were baptized : Thomas 
Carstley, Elijah Carstley, Polly Watson, Patience 
Tripp, Sukey Shearman; also May 19, Hannah 
Allen and Patience Butler. In Dartmouth, 
July 3, Sarah Durfee was baptized. This year 
there was also a revival in Middleborough. A 
person named Parish was baptized in Septem- 
ber ; and Oct. 20, Charlotte Peirce, with Lovisa 
Records; Nov. 3, Isaac Halloway, Freeman 
Peirce, Noah Simmonds, William Ashley, Betsey 
Rowland, and Tilly Ralloway. 



"J^ A SKETCH OF 

Feeling the need of assistance, Elder Hix, 
aided by Elders Jacob Hix, William Northrup, 
John Lawrence, and Elder Peckham, set apart 
and ordained Ira Phillips to the work of the 
gospel ministry, Nov. 17, 1803. ** Elder Wm. 
Northrup of North Kingstown, R. L, preached 
the ordination sermon, from Solomon's Song, 
III, 7, 8, to a large, solemn and respectable 
assembly; ordaining prayer by Elder Jacob 
Hix ; the charge by Elder Northrup ; the right 
hand of fellowship by Elder Daniel Hix ; and 
the closing prayer by Elder Peckham of Tiver- 
ton. The whole was conducted with the greatest 
decency, propriety and order." From this time 
Elder Phillips occasionally supplied the pulpit 
in Elder Hix's absence. He was a ready 
speaker, but in the latter part of his life became 
somewhat notional with regard to the operation 
of the Holy Spirit, and gave the church some 
trouble. 

In Middleborough, Dec. 11, James Peirce, 
Elkanah Peirce, Isaac Hathaway, jr., Benjamin 
Tinkham, Guilford Booth, Mary Peirce, Mary 
Bordin and Zintha Peirce were baptized. ''This 
was a day remarkable for freedom and power ; 
thanks to God." The revival in Middleborough 
continued, for March 18, 1804, George Castle 
with two others, was baptized ; also in June 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 7/ 

three more went forward. A person named 
Thomas in Freetown was baptized in August, 
and the 2ist in Middleborough, Noah Ash- 
ley, Ezra Clark, Chloe Winslow, and Sally 
Hathaway. 

It was at the session of the Groton Conference 
held in Rehoboth in 1804, that a committee 
was chosen to secure a missionary to travel and 
preach in the north part of the United States 
and Canada. The committee selected Elder 
Daniel Hix, and agreed to pay him five dollars 
per week. With his appointment was sent his 
recommendation, as follows : 



To all Christiaji people where these presents shall coine. 

Greeting : 

Whereas, the Baptist churches of our Lord Jesus Christ con- 
stituting the Groton Union Conference, assembled at Rehoboth 
on the 19th and 20th days of September, 1804, taking into 
consideration the destitute circumstances of our brethren in the 
northwest part of the United States and in the province of 
Upper Canada, made known to them by our beloved brother 
Joseph Comwell, did then propose by the leave of Divine 
Providence to send one of their beloved elders into those parts, 
for the purpose only of preaching the gospel of our Lord Jesus 
Christ and administering the ordinances of the New Testament 
as duty and circumstances may require : 

We, therefore, the subscribers, being duly appointed by said 

conference for that purpose, do hereby appoint our dearly 

beloved Elder Daniel Hix, whom we esteem as a faithful 

minister of Jesus Christ, and send him as a missioner among 

H. 



yS A SKETCH OF 

you, with our hearts' desire and prayer to the Throne of Divine 
Grace that his journey may be prospered by the will of God, 
and that the power of God unto salvation may be made known 
to thousands, and the wilderness in a spiritual sense may bud 
and blossom as the rose. 

Signed in behalf of said conference by your affectionate 
brethren in the best of bonds. 

CALEB GREENE. 
DAVID PERRY, jr. 

Newport, Dec. 8, 1804. 



We have good reason to believe Elder Hix 
never accepted this appointment. 

Several persons were baptized in New Bed- 
ford in November : Anna Kersley, Polly Tripp, 
Lydia Williams, Sybil Sutton. 

In April, 1805, Elder Hix baptized in New 
Bedford, Deborah Tripp, John Hadway, John 
Russell, Edy Hadway, Sarah Price, Miriam 
Briggs, Phebe Quanewa; the first Sunday in 
May he baptized Joshua Southard and Patience 
Peckham in Dartmouth ; in June another per- 
son named Cowen ; perhaps the same day, he 
baptized David Wilkey and a person named 
Robinson in New Bedford. In the month of 
August he went to Freetown, and baptized on 
the 15 th, Gilbert Smith, Jeremiah Braley, 
Charity Braley, and Sarah Haskell ; 22d, Benja- 
min Haskell, William Braley, Ruth Reynolds, 
Soloma Haskell, Margeret Braley; Sept. 5, 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 79 

Elihu Hadway, Nehemiah Demoranville and 
four others were baptized. 

At this time there was a great revival in 
Taunton. Elder Hix writes, Sept. 22, ** Jesus 
reigns marvelously in this place." He baptized 
there William Holmes, James Smith, Jeremiah 
Bassett, John White, Luther Lincoln, Wealthy 
Britton, Abiah Green, Mercy Lincoln, and Polly 
White. Oct. 9, " Taunton Baptist meeting- 
house, a day of rejoicing in Zion, in heaven by 
angels, and saints on earth ; " Saul White, 
Timothy White, Benjamin White, Greenfield 
Williams, Charles Field, Sullivan Lincoln, Lovis 
Makepeace, Hannah Wilbour, Polly Lincoln, 
Lurinda Tucker, Susanna Tucker and Selah 
Lincoln were baptized. 

In Dartmouth, Silas Collins was baptized 
Oct. 6. 

The revival in Taunton increased in interest, 
and under date of Oct. 15 he writes: "The 
work is glorious and appears to spread : this 
day will ever be remembered : saints and angels 
rejoice : Satan is mad." The following named 
persons were baptized : Ezekiel Lincoln, Jabesh 
Carver, Solomon Witherell, Jonathan Field, 
John Pollard, Ebenezer Smith, Levi Eddy, 
Phebe Pollard, Phebe Smith, Anna Lincoln, 
Keziah Carver, Sally Pratt, Merada Field, Polly 



80 A SKETCH OF 

Eddy, Subrlna Lincoln, Sally White, Nancy 
Lincoln, Ruth Deane, Hannah White, and soon 
after a person named Haskins. Nov. 5, the 
following were baptized in Taunton : William 
Burt, Levi Lincoln, Amea Tucker, Juda Field, 
Asheel Tucker, Solomon Leonard, Jeams Cham- 
berlain, Ruel Dean, Cynthia Lincoln, Noah 
Smith, Cynthia Lincoln, 2d, Sarah Preshove, 
Phebe Carver, Flora Witherell, Anna Leonard, 
Delila Eddy, Betsey Witherell, Abigail Tucker, 
Hannah Wilbur, Woodard Lincoln. "This 
occasion drew together some fifteen hundred 
people ; sixty-two carriages and five ministers 
were present." This was truly a remarkable 
work, and it was not surprising that Elder Hix 
felt like praising God. The revival was not yet 
over, for Nov. 8 he baptized in Taunton, Betsey 
White, Lydia Snow, Hannah Tisdale, Abigail 
White, Sally Burt, Wealthy Eddy, and Abigail 
Field. This week he preached seven sermons. 

The last week in November and the first in 
December, Elder Hix traveled and preached 
sixteen times with much freedom. Dec. 8, he 
says," "This is a good day; thanks to God." 
At this date he baptized in Taunton, Tisdale 
Godfrey, Josiah Austin, Daniel Woodward, 
John Austin, Uriah Smith, Jenny Chamberlain, 
Hannah Lincoln, Sophia Woodard, Marilla 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 8 1 

Field, and Ebenezer Leonard. Dec. 28, in 
Dartmouth, Sally Cowen was baptized. 

In the early part of 1806, several others in 
Dartmouth were baptized : Feb. 2, Nancy Jones ; 
In March, Sally Cowen; April 6, John Chase 
and Hannah Chase ; in New Bedford, June 6, 
Elizabeth Chase and Patience Chase; June 15, 
Doctor Hathaway; in Dartmouth, June 22, 
Sally Poole ; July 6, Luther Gifford and Maria 
Gififord ; in Freetown, July 12, Ephraim Braley, 
Margeret Braley, Asa Clark, and Rhoda Rounse- 
ville. ''This was a spiritual season." In 
Taunton, July 20, he writes, ''A powerful day, 
blessed be God," and baptized Ezra Richmond, 
Lucy Lincoln, Nancy Austin, and Silence Hill. 
In Rochester, July 27, he baptized Thomas 
Shearman. About this time, or soon after, he 
made a visit to Norton. Aug. 20, he had 
preached seven times in a week with satisfac- 
tion, and baptized there Hannah Wilbur* 
Priscilla Witherell, Abigail Fields, and Anna 
Lincoln. Soon after this he baptized in West- 
port (''the first ever baptized in this place") 
Rufus Tripp, Stephen Butts, and William Gifford ; 
again in Dartmouth, Sept. 7, Thomas Wood- 
mansea and Phebe Eddy. Sept. 25 the follow- 
ing were baptized in Taunton : Mercy Geary, 
Hannah Warren, Almeda Wilbour, Polly Lincoln, 



82 A SKETCH OF 

Nancy Vallom, Martin Dean, and Lucy Newton. 
There must have been some revival interest in 
Westport at this time, for Oct. lo Cynthia 
Devoll and Elizabeth Butts were baptized ; 
again on the 19th he baptized there Isaac 
Gifford, another person named Gifford, Martin 
Besse, and Phebe Besse ; in Assonet, Oct. 19, 
Polly Terry; in Long Plain about this time, 
Abigail Gammons ; at Freetown Furnace, Oct. 
29, Mica Reynolds; in Dartmouth, Nov. 2, 
Deborah Crapo ; in Westport, Nov. 6, Comfort 
Gifford, Ruth Gifford, and a widow Wilkey about 
this time. 

The church had now reached a crisis. Though 
Baptist in sentiment, it was more liberal than 
many churches associated with it, and the 
addition of so many converts made it progress- 
ive. The spirit of the age likewise demanded 
a larger freedom, which seems a natural out- 
growth from its original position. The princi- 
ples of the Christian denomination began to be 
understood, and were found to be in harmony 
with the practice of the church, and hence the 
change was easy. 

Some time in June, 1805, Elias Smith had 
preached at Freetown Furnace, which meeting 
Elder Hix and several brethren attended. His 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 83 

address to Elder Smith was characteristic: "I 
will now tell you, Brother Smith, as I told the 
Methodists ; they might make me and my 
brethren all Methodists if they could. They 
tell me you wish all to be Christians : make us 
all Christians if you can ; I am willing for that." 
There is no doubt the question of religious 
creeds was discussed freely for some time prior 
to 1806, otherwise the people would not have 
followed Elder Hix as they did. It is certain 
that other churches were agitated by the same 
questions, but the Groton Conference is not 
known to have taken any public position on the 
new doctrines until the general meeting of 1807. 
We have positive evidence that Elder Hix cor- 
responded with other ministers in relation to 
Elder Smith's teachings, but he said ''that he 
would adopt no man's opinion unless sustained 
by the scriptures, which he felt the strongest 
obligation to obey." He did not approach the 
new doctrines like a bigot, but like an honest 
disciple anxious to learn the truth. The Bible 
was his standard of faith, and to it he constantly 
appealed. When clearly convinced of his duty 
from the word of God, he was immovable as 
the hill upon which he lived. It is certain 
Elder Hix did not act hastily. 



84 A SKETCH OF 

The only sermon or sketch of a sermon 
among his papers was prepared and delivered 
about this time. We copy it entire. 

Dartmouth, Oct, ii, 1806. 

Having passed through various trials since I experienced 
the Christian religion, and for the year past greater than 
at any other period of my life, during which time I have 
attended to prayer, fasting, and reading the scriptures, 
particularly what Christ has said and done as recorded by 
the four evangelists and the apostles, I believe it to be 
my duty to communicate the following things to you, my 
dear brethren. 

First, what shall we do to be saved? 

Jesus saith a man must be born again. John, in, 3-5. 
It is plain from this that the first birth is natural and the 
latter is spiritual. Being born again is by the operation 
of the Spirit of God on the souls of the children of men. 
From whence came this Spii'it? 

We are told in John, xvi chap., what Jesus' disciples 
should meet with; nevertheless he says, "It is expedient for 
you that I go away : for if I go not away, the Com- 
forter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will 
send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove 
the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment : of 
sin, because they believed not on me; of righteousness, be- 
cause I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; of judg- 
ment, because the prince of this world is judged." This 
Comforter is the Spirit of God, and of Christ called the 
Holy Ghost. John, xiv, 26. It is also called the Spirit, 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 85 

17 V. This is that which teacheth every man, as it is written, 
(Isaiah, Liv, 13,) and Jesus said, (John, vi, 45,) "And 
they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore 
that hath heard, aud hath learned of the Father, cometh 
unto me." 

This divine teaching is from God, and he that heareth 
and learneth therefrom will discover himself a sinner, as is 
the case of all. Rom. iir, 9: "What then? are we better 
than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved 
both Jews and gentiles, that they are all under sin." 2^ : 
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of 
God : " hence they that learn of Christ are brought to re- 
pentance. Luke, XIII, 3, 4: Christ Jesus the Lord said, 
when preaching to the people, " Except ye repent, ye shall 
all likewise perish." 1st, repentance is a heart sorrow for 
our sins, as they are against God, and as they will be the 
cause of our punishment with everlasting destruction from 
the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power. 
II Thess. I, 9. 2ndly, repentance means turning first from 
a sinful course of living to the Lord with full purpose of 
heart; seek after him; cry to him for help as he finds 
it impossible to help himself. And blessed be the name 
of the all-glorious God, and the Lord Jesus Christ. He 
has said, and it shall not fail, ( Matt. Vil, 7, ) " Ask, and 
it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and 
it shall be opened unto you." And thus it is written, (Rom. 
X, 13,) "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the 
Lord shall be saved." The thief on the cross with our 
Savior had this glorious truth fulfilled to him; the Lord 
Jesus hears the dying prisoner's groan and speaks — all 
I 



86 A SKETCH OF 

glory to his name, — he speaks from heaven. John, v, 25 : 
"Verily, verily, I say unto you. The hour is coming, and 
now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of 
God : and they that hear shall live." At which time the 
soul trusts, relies, depends and believes on the Lord Jesus 
for life and salvation, hence is obedient to the faith. Rom. 
I, 5. And Heb. v, 9, speaking of Christ, "And being 
made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation 
unto all them that obey him." This salvation is great: it 
is from sin; it is from guilt; it is from the curse of the 
law. Christ Jesus was made a curse for us. It is from 
the wrath to come; thanks to God. This salvation causes 
the soul to love God, and praise his blessed name, and 
engage to serve him all his days. 

What were these new-born souls called first? Disciples, 
because they had learned of Christ. 2d, believers, because 
they believed on the Lord Jesus Christ. I John, v, i : 
*' Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born 
of God." 3. What is the duty of believers? Ans. To 
be baptized. Acts, XXil, 16: "And now why tarriest 
thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, 
calling on the name of the Lord." It is a sin not to be 
baptized. Why? Because it is a command of Jesus and 
the apostles. Mark, xvi, 16: "He that believeth and is 
baptized shall be saved," &c. Acts, X. 48: "And he 
[Peter] commanded them to be baptized in the name of 
the Lord." Also Matt, xxvill, 19. Where were they bap- 
tized? In Jordan, and at Enon near Salem, because there 
was much water, and at other places where there was 
sufficient water to bury the persons baptized, Rom. vi, 4: 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 8/ 

* Therefore we are buried with him [i. e. Christ] by bap- 
tism into death : that like as Christ was raised up from the 
dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should 
walk in newness of life." Also Col. ii, 12. To bury, to 
plunge, to dip into, to immerse, is the mode of baptism, 
and no other mode is baptism. 4thly, to watch and pray, 
to live righteously, soberly and godly in this present evil 
world. Again, to join a church, if any there be that they 
can walk with, and if not, when two or three are agreed 
let them meet together; blessed be God, Christ has prom- 
ised to meet with them. This is plain from Acts, xi chap., 
and Matt. XViil, 19, 20. It is duty to commemorate the 
supper of our Lord by bread and wine. "This do in re- 
membrance of me," saith Jesus. Luke, xxii, 19, 20. 

These baptized believers were called Christians first at 
Antioch; this is the name the inspired writers have given 
to the followers of the Lamb, and this name they ought 
to bear and hold in high esteem. These Christians, having 
one Lord, one faith, one baptism, united in one body to 
serve the Lord, were called a church. Acts, xiii, I : 
"Now there were in the church that was at Antioch cer- 
tain prophets and teachers," &c. Matt, xvi, 18: "And 
I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this 
rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall 
not prevail against it." Acts, xx, 28: "To feed the church 
of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." 
From these and many other passages of scripture, we see 
that they were the chuixhes, and were so called, and ought 
to be now. 

In the church of Christ there is a diversity of gifts. 



SS A SKETCH OF 

I Cor. XII, 4: "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the 
same Spirit." 27th v.: "Now ye are the body of Christ, 
and members in particular." 28th v. : " And God hath 
set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, 
thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, 
helps, governments, diversities of tongues." Eph. iv, ii, 12: 
"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and 
some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the 
perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for 
the edifying of the body of Christ." And Paul, in Rom. 
XII chap., hath set them in order, and in what manner 
each one should be faithful and wait thereon. 

Praying, preaching or teaching, exhortation, and singing, 
are appointed to be performed in the church of Christ. 
First, prayer. I Tim. 11, i : "I [saith Paul] exhort there- 
fore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, 
and giving of thanks, be made for all men." Luke, i, 13: 
"Thy prayer is heard." Acts, ill, i: "Now Peter and 
John went up together into the temple at the hour of 
prayer, being the ninth hour." Phil. I, 19: "For I know 
that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, 
and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ." 2ndly, 
preaching. Matt, x, 7: "And as ye go, preach, saying, 
The kingdom of heaven is at hand." Again : " And he 
commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify 
that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge 
of quick and dead." II Tim. iv, 2: "Preach the word; 
be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort 
with all longsuffering and doctrine." This word meant 
Christ, the way of salvation thereby, and it is what prophets 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 89 

proclaimed, David sung, Paul preached, and all true serv- 
ants of Jesus Christ are called to look on and do like- 
wise. 3rdly, exhortation. Acts, xiii, 15: "Ye men and 
brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, 
say on." Heb. Ill, 13: "But exhort one another daily, 
while it is called to-day; lest any of you be hardened 
through the deceitfulness of sin." 4thly, singing praises 
to God. Paul speaks of singing: Rejoice, praise the Lord. 
And again he saith, " Rejoice, ye gentiles, with his people." 
And again, "Praise the Lord, all ye gentiles; and laud 
him, all ye people." Paul speaks of himself, I Cor. xiv, 
15: "I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the 
understanding also." Eph. V, 19: "Speaking to yourselves 
in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and 
making melody in your heart to the Lord." In Col. ill, 
16, mention is again made of "psalms and hymns and 
spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the 
Lord." Also our Lord sung a hymn with his disciples. 
Matt. XXVI, 30. 

As there have been difficulties in churches about singing, 
I will say a few words thereon. Singing belongs to the 
church, and to take the lead therein, as it is in divine 
worship; to this end, the members should obtain such 
information as to sing in order, for God is a God of order 
and not of confusion. As to them who believe not, it is 
their duty to attend public worship and to give attention 
to the preached word; and when any pray, let them rise 
or kneel and desire with all their hearts the Lord would 
have mercy on them; if disposed to join in singing, for 
heaven's sake let there be no contention on that account. 



90 A SKETCH OF 

Lastly, the government of the church, as it respects lead- 
ing, ruling, discipline, or settling anything whatever, be- 
longs to the brotherhood or male members. This is evident 
from what Paul saith, I Cor. xiv, 34, 35 : " Let your 
women keep silence in the churches : for it is not permitted 
unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under 
obedience, as also saith the law." And again he saith, 
" For it is a shame for women to speak in the church." 
This did not mean they should not pray, and testify to the 
goodness of God. Mary's soul magnified the Lord; Eliza- 
beth was filled with the Holy Ghost, and spake with a loud 
voice the praises of God. It is plain from these and many 
other passages that the sisters in the church have a right 
to labor in the vineyard. Phil, iv, 3 : " Help those women 
which labored with me in the gospel," saith Paul. And, 
blessed be God, I have had great satisfaction in seeing 
and hearing them when in their lot, and much good has 
been done by them. I pray God to strengthen them to 
every good work; but when they undertake to direct, rule, 
or lead in church affairs, it generally ends in confusion. 
Hence Paul saith to Timothy, ist Epistle, il, 11 : "Let 
the woman learn in silence with all subjection," 12th v.: 
"But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority 
over the man, but to be in silence." 

From the scriptures it is plain that man is dead in 
trespasses and sin; his recovery is of God, not of the deeds 
of the law, nor by works of righteousness of his own per- 
formance, but by grace we are saved through faith, and 
not of ourselves, but it is the gift of God. This salvation 
is by faith in the blood of the Lamb. Such were called 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 9I 

believers in Christ's blood, and after baptism were called 
Christians, and brothers and sisters in the church, because 
they are the purchase of his blood. And what name they 
bear that is not scriptural is not right, and only tends to 
keep up separations among the followers of the Lamb : 
therefore let us leave them all behind and take the name 
which is given us by inspiration, and let our lives corre- 
spond with the name, walking in the order of God's 
house, whosoever ye are; and in so doing, all separation 
will cease, prejudices will fall, unity, peace, love and glory 
shall dwell in our land. O Lord, hasten it, for Zion's sake, 
for thy name's sake. 

In 1807 the vote was taken to drop all human 
standards of faith. Tradition informs us that 
Elder Hix, after church meeting the first Satur- 
day in June, unrolled a long sheet of paper 
upon which the creed, covenant, church rules, 
&c., were written, and after stating that it would 
be necessary soon to rewrite the worn and soiled 
pages, requested a vote on the question of aban- 
doning all church creeds and taking the Bible 
alone as the only rule of faith and practice. 
All but four voted in the affirmative, and the 
branch churches seem to have done the same 
soon afterwards. Thus was accomplished a 
change which was inevitable in the work of 
progress and religious reform ; an event which 
certainly did not hinder the work of Christ, but 



92 A SKETCH OF 

opened a larger field of usefulness to many then 
unborn. The church, including the branches, 
numbered near five hundred members, and for 
several years enjoyed an almost continual revival. 
It does not appear that the church withdrew 
from the Groton Conference or was dropped 
until 1811, for reports were made as to mem- 
bership, additions, &c. " The Groton Confer- 
ence met at Long Plain, where Elder Hix 
preached one half the time, June 24-25, 1807." 
We have no record of that meeting, except a 
circular letter to the churches, exhorting the 
members to increased faithfulness. Elias Smith 
says, '' The ministers and delegates, with a large 
number of peof>le, met at 10 o'clock." The 
meetings, however, did not seem successful ; 
some wished Elder Smith to preach, while 
others opposed him. "When the business was 
concluded the second day. Elder Hix gave no- 
tice that Brother Smith would preach in fifteen 
minutes from that time, upon which the minis- 
ters took their hats and coats and went out in a 
pouring rain." It is evident from Elder Smith's 
brief account that the popular sympathy with 
Elder Hix's influence had decided the question 
in favor of a free church and religious progress. 



ELDER DANIEL HLX. 93 



CHAPTER IV. 

CONTINUED REFORMATIONS; ORGANIZATION OF 
THE NORTH CHRISTIAN CHURCH IN NEW BED- 
FORD ; ELDER HOWARD TRIPP; HIS EARLY 
PREACHING ; REVIVAL IN TAUNTON, ROCHESTER, 
NEW BEDFORD, AND MIDDLEBOROUGH ; FINAL 
SEPARATION FROM THE GROTON CONFERENCE ; 
LETTER OF ELDER HIX TO THE CONFERENCE; 
THE SECOND CHURCH BUILT; REVIVALS OF i8ii- 
12-13. 

The year 1807 was a revival season through- 
out Elder Hix's extensive parish. Beginning in 
Westport in January, he baptized Thadeus Rey- 
nolds; March 12th, at the same place, Timothy 
Tripp, Peace Mosher, Eunice Lion, and Sally 
Gifford. "A good day; thanks to God," In 
Berkley, March 26, Hannah Burt, Persis At- 
wood, Deliah Briggs, Sally Pitts and Abigail 
Burt were baptized ; in Westport again, April 
9, Brice Mosher, Sophia Tripp, Rachel Tripp, 
Dina Mosher ; in New Bedford, April 16, Rhoda 
Hathaway; in Dartmouth, May 3, Hope Davis, 
and another person named Reynolds on the 5th ; 
in Berkley, May 15, Lydia Burt, Trifenia Burt, 
Rachel Wilder, and Serena Jackson; May 21, 
in Assonet, Benjamin Tisdale, Wanton Hatha- 



94 A SKETCH OF 

way, Ruby Briggs, and Sally Chase, and Elder 
Hathaway baptized four others at the same time. 
In Fairhaven, June 2, Bradford Williams was 
baptized ; in Dartmouth, June 7, Benjamin Hor- 
ton, Lydia Horton, Nancy Francis; June 1 1, in 
Fairhaven, Lucretia Knowles and Matilda Dun- 
ham. Elder Hix baptized one person at Long 
Plain June 13, and on the i6th, in Fairhaven, 
Charity Perce; in Dartmouth, June 17, Richard 
Craw, Rhoda Woddle, Betsey Briggs, and Nancy 
Baker. ** This was a day of rejoicing." Elder 
Hix went to Taunton June 19, and baptized 
Betsey White ; to Long Plain 27th, and baptized 
Salla Belden and Ruth Davis. In Dartmouth, 
July 9, Lemuel Reed, Hannah Weldin, Delilah 
Wheeler, Mary Rogers and Sally Reed went for- 
ward in baptism. "Another good day; thanks 
to God." Two more at Long Plain were bap- 
tized July 14, and one in New Bedford the next 
day. Judah Maxfield was baptized at Smith 
Mills July 16, and on the 19th Zebedee Jones, 
Nathaniel Woddle, Eliza Sanford, Sukie Wod- 
dle, Mercy Pool, and Eliza Gifford. "A good 
day; his kingdom is glorious, saints rejoice, 
sinners tremble, and the cry is. What shall I do 
to be saved?" Elder Hix baptized in Roches- 
ter, July 27, Micah Winslow, Hannah Winslow, 
Deborah Shearman, and in Fairhaven, July 28, 



ELDER DANIEL IIIX. 95 

Jonathan Tripp, William Mirack, and Thadeus 
Studson ; in Westport, July 29, John Gifford 
and Patience Tripp, and at Seconet Hannah 
Gifford. In New Bedford, July 31, he baptized 
William Killey and Joseph Shockley. The in- 
terest in Dartmouth continued, for Aug. 2 Elder 
Hix writes, ** The Lord's power is great" ; Ab- 
ner Tripp, Sally Francis, Ruth Gifford and 
Versey Kempton were baptized. In Freetown, 
Aug. 10, the following named persons were bap- 
tized : James White, Elisha Braley, Abraham 
Braley, Deborah Trotter, Tabitha Rogers, Polly 
Downs, Lydia Ashley, Rebecca Braley, Delana 
Allen, Lucinda Haskins, Peggy Haskins, Hul- 
dah Lawrence. This was a joyful and solemn 
occasion ; " thanks to God, the work increases ; 
ride on, all-glorious King." '* In Rochester, 
nth, at the Shore a precious season; " Medad 
Cannon, Thomas Kinney, Mary Studson, Su- 
sanna Frasher, Penney Beck and Elizabeth Dun- 
ham were baptized. In Fairhaven, Aug. 13, 
Polly Tripp and Huldah Tinkham ; in Dart- 
mouth, 1 6th, Thomas Faunce, Calvin Wheeler 
and Amy Russell were baptized. Aug. 20 El- 
der Hix went to Rochester again, and baptized 
Joseph Whitridge ; at Morton's pond, Aug. 24, 
Elijah W. Hoar, Abigail Hoar, John Lawrence, 
jr., Mary Hoar, Anna Pearce, and Judah Pearce. 



g6 A SKETCH OF 

Aug. 25, "a glorious day at Mattapolsett har- 
bor," Anna Weston, Betsey Briggs, Polly Green, 
Mary Dexter, Arty Besse, Amelia Haskell, Ab- 
igail Briggs and Thankful Tinkham were bap- 
tized. '* This was a time to be remembered." 
*' The next morning at the same place the glory 
of God was evident," when four others were 
baptized, Seth Ames, Timothy Ellis, Edmund 
Beck, and Mollie Ellis. Aug. 26, at New Bed- 
ford, east side of the river, (Fairhaven,) Elder 
Hix baptized Parnal Kinney, Abigail Nye, 
Charlotta Howard, Olive Gelatte, Ruth Gelatte, 
and Sylvia Delano ; Aug. 28, Rebecca Samson, 
Joanna Demoranville, Prudy Spooner. In Dart- 
mouth, Aug. 30, ** a large and solemn assembly; 
saints rejoice, sinners tremble, morning prayers, 
songs and groans ascend to Heaven." The 
following were baptized : Noble Martin, Nathan 
Craw, David Craw, Lydia Craw, Susie Mosher, 
Lydia Lincoln, Abigail Russell, Mercy Francis, 
and Mercy Whalon. Sept. 6, Abner Vincent, 
and two others named Vincent and Shearman, 
were baptized at Long Plain ; in Middleborough, 
Sept. 8, John Bly, Betsey Fuller, and another 
person named Bly. Sept. 9, at Rochester Shore, 
Thomas Ames, Asa Dunham, Ebenezer Fuller, 
Joseph Hammond, Betsey Haskell, Mary Dan- 
ham, Joa Hammond, Rocksa Haskell, Thankful 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 9/ 

Higgins, Joa Bowles, Lois Atsel and Dolly Snow 
were baptized. ** A glorious work in this place ; 
the Lord reigns marvelously ; saints rejoice and 
sinners mourn." In New Bedford, Sept. lO, a 
person named Severance was baptized. In New 
Bedford again, Sept. 25, Richard Liskum, Jesse 
Reynolds and two others went forward ; in Dart- 
mouth 27th, Thomas Winslow, Jesse Nichols, 
Clarissa Blossom, Mary Allen, and Rebecca 
Booth ; " a powerful time ; peace and much 
joy." At Rochester Shore Oct. 6, *' the Lord 
leadeth and his people follow " ; Nancy Ham- 
mett, Seany Hammond, Prudence Wilbour, Ab- 
igail Kinney, Joanna Dexter and Holder Gelatte 
were baptized. Oct. 8 at Fairhaven, Jacob 
Kinney, Josiah Wilcox and Mary Merrick went 
forward in baptism; in Middleborough, Oct. 12, 
Joseph Westgate and Jonathan Westgate ; in 
Rochester, 13th, Nicholas Snow, John Hall, Jo- 
seph Parker and Polly Parker were baptized ; 
at Fairhaven, Oct. 15, Widow Adams, Sybil 
Whitefield, Lydia Allen, Hannah Wood, Han- 
nah Nye, Betsey Adams, Charlotte Hatch ; Oct. 
19, at Long Plain, Hannah Mendall and Lydia 
Perry were baptized ; also in Rochester soon 
after, Joseph Edwards, Benjamin Perkins, Judah 
Perkins, Lucy Haskell, Polly Haskell, and Abi- 
gail Skiff; at New Bedford, Head of the River, 

J 



98 A SKETCH OF 

Oct. 22, James Cox, Phineas White, Othnial 
Omans, Joseph Perce, Luther Pratt, Lucy Perce, 
Lydia Green, Rebecca Parker, Hannah Perce. 
In Dartmouth, Oct. 25, Howard Tripp, the fu- 
ture pastor of the church, was baptized, then 
seventeen years old. In New Bedford again 
Oct. 31, Isaac Smith, Richard B. Parsons, Sally 
Bennett and one other obeyed the Lord in bap- 
tism. Elder Hix also baptized Ruby Terry at 
Long Plain about this time. At Freetown, Nov. 
2, " a good day," he baptized in Morton's pond 
Mary Allen, Mary Perce, Sally Tobey, Anna 
Parker, and Mary Parker ; Nov. 4, Jonathan 
Westgate, Nathaniel Andrews, Daniel Westgate, 
and Judith Hoar. The rest of Elder Hix's bap- 
tisms for the year are as follows : Nov. 8, Fair- 
haven, Mary Tinkham ; Dartmouth, same day, 
Silas Terry, Joshua Pickens, Rebecca Pickens, 
Matilda Craw; New Bedford, Dec. 3, Francis 
Stow, Betsey Howard, Abigail Ingraham ; Dart- 
mouth, nth, Ebenezer Tripp and Mary Tripp; 
Head of the River, Dec. 19, Peter Crapo, Eliza- 
beth Hathaway, Betsey Furlong, Katy Spooner, 
Elizabeth Earls ; the same month in Fairhaven, 
Henry Smith, and a person named Howard. 

During this year upwards of four hundred 
persons were baptized in this section, of whom 
Elder Hix baptized two hundred and thirty-one. 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 99 

For some three months afterward his health did 
not permit him to baptize any, but as we shall 
see the revival continued and he soon resumed 
the work. 

The year 1807 is memorable for the organ- 
ization of the North Christian church in New 
Bedford, which has since maintained a leading 
place in the denomination. There is no doubt 
that Elder Hix had members and held meetings 
there for several years before the church was 
formed; and on Jan. 25, 1807, at the house of 
Obed Kempton, thirteen persons were recog- 
nized by him as a Christian church. The mem- 
bers were Obed Kempton, Ruth Kempton, John 
Hathaway, Edith Hathaway, Jonathan Haskins, 
Sarah Haskins, Sarah Strange, Lois Hervey, 
Patience Hatch, Remembrance Wood, Nabby 
Russell, Nabby Tobey, and Betsey Chace. The 
history of this church is a faithful iHiistration of 
what piety, with a catholic spirit, will accom- 
plish in any community. 

There were, besides the church in New Bed- 
ford, branch churches in Fairhaven, Rochester, 
Long Plain, Berkley, and Freetown, all of which 
were visited by Elder Hix as circumstances re- 
quired, while several local preachers aided him 
as best they could. 

The following are the names of persons bap- 



100 A SKETCH OF 

tized by Elder Hix in the year 1808: March 
18, in Fairhaven, Thomas Mendall, Luina Mor- 
ton; Westport, March 22, Abner Devoll, and 
another named Devoll ; in " New Bedford Sea- 
port" 25th, James Peckham, Phebe Peckham, 
Elizabeth Ellis, and a person named Handy; 
east side of the river, April i, Polly Blossom; 
Dartmouth, April 3, James Upham, Anna Will- 
iams ; New Bedford, April 27, Benjamin Chase, 
John Edwards, Mary Crapo, Nancy White ; also 
April 29, Lucy Durfee; in Middleborough, May 
10, a person named Peirce; May 25, in Roch- 
ester, James Blankenship, aged 86 years, James 
Blankenship, jr., Charles Chandler, and Rebec- 
ca Chandler; New Bedford, May 27, Jemima 
Hathaway, Sarah Clifton ; Middleborough, May 
31, Sarah Hoar; June i, in Fairhaven, a person 
named Mendall; June 3, Head of the River in 
New Bedford, Rhoda Peirce, Ann Gibbons; 
Dartmouth, June 5 , Ruth Strange, Sarah Faunce ; 
Freetown, June 21, Mercy West; the next day 
at Freetown Furnace, after a solemn meeting, 
Cynthia Smith, Sarah Demoranville, Isibel 
Downing, Jane Haskins and Mercy White were 
baptized; in Middleborough, 23d, Abial Nel- 
son,* Sally Nelson; Rochester, June 28, EUis 

♦Afterwards deacon of the church iu Long Plain. Died in 1829. 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. lOI 

Mendall, Abigail Whitridge, Sarah Jenny; 
Rochester Great Neck, 29th, Ruth Blankenship 
and Betsey Allen; Freetown, July 7, at Capt. 
White's, Elizabeth Crapo, Huldah White, Abi- 
gail Bennett; Bedford village, July 8, Katy 
Christon ; in Dartmouth, July 1 8, Zilpha Briggs ; 
Long Plain, July 24, Jabez Benson ; Dartmouth, 
July 31, Ira Washburn, Lois Collins, Nancy 
Tabor; at the Furnace, Aug. 2, James Ashley, 
Betsey Ashley, Temperance Downs, Elizabeth 
Rounseville, Hannah Ashley, Hannah Parker; 
July 13, in Rochester, Mary Bowlen, also next 
day George Shaw; Rochester Shore, i6th, 
Abraham Harrison, Daniel Shearman, William 
Shearman, Luke Dexter, Vina Paine ; Bedford 
village Aug. 18, Abraham Gifford, Anna Gif- 
ford, Elisha Nash; Elder Hix writes, "A solemn 
time; thank God I live to see this day." In 
Freetown, Aug. 23, *' a day of rejoicing," the 
candidates were Deliverance Bennett, Barnabas 
Shearman, Abraham Parker, Chloe Lawrence, 
and Fannie Tobey; the next day in Freetown, 
Deborah Morton, Rebecca Braley; 25th, in 
Middleborough, Samuel Peirce, Hannah Peirce. 
Sept. 4, in Dartmouth, ('* a good day; thanks 
to God for his blessings to us,") Lydia Wins- 
low, Mary Peirce, Dina Gifford, Betsey Hath- 
away, Elizabeth Booth and Ruth Bedon were 

J* 



102 A SKETCH OF 

baptized. In New Bedford, above the Head of 
the River, ** a heavenly, time ; the Lord reigns 
gloriously," Sept. 6. The persons baptized 
were John Haskins, Mary Haskins, Luther Rey- 
nolds, Ruany Reynolds, William Tabor, Jenny 
Howard, and Rebecca Omans. In Rochester, 
Sept. 27, Elizabeth Hall and Deborah Haskell 
were baptized ; the next day, same place, three 
persons, whose names were Edwards, Shaw, and 
Dexter. In Dartmouth, Oct. 2, (" a good day; 
thanks to God,") William Johnson, Abiathar 
Tripp, Phebe Hathaway and Sally Davis were 
baptized ; Oct. 6, in Westport, Earson Howland ; 
Oct. II, Head of the River, William Holmes 
and Mercy Holmes ; in Troy, (now Fall River,) 
Oct. 13, Betsey Lawton ; Freetown, Oct. 18, 
Philip Rounseville, Mercy Rounseville ; Roches- 
ter Shore, Nov. 3, Elizabeth Cannon and Nancy 
Paine ; Nov. 6, in Dartmouth, Mary Petty. This 
concludes the list of baptisms for the year 1808. 
The Groton Conference met this year in Gro- 
ton, June 22. The Dartmouth church reported 
itself by the following letter. 

The church of Christ in Dartmoiith and brethren in several 
places sendeth greeting. 

Dear brethren, This is the twenty-second year of our 
acquaintance, and some of us well remember the happy sea- 
sons we have enjoyed in meeting from different places, when 



ELDER DANIEL IIIX. IO3 

praying, praising, and preaching theg lad tidings of the gospel. 
Again, we at these meetings give and receive information from 
each other, and bear the tidings to the churches where we 
belong, that they may share the blessing which refreshes their 
hearts and strengthens their faith. A meeting of the above 
description, we give our hearty fellowship and delight to enjoy, 
believing it to be profitable to all. But whenever they under- 
take to exercise a power over the churches and domineer over 
their faith, or to give out rules, orders and directions, or make 
any laws, creeds, covenants, articles of faith, &c., is a departure 
from the intention we had in view in our first meeting, and 
brings into bondage instead of that glorious liberty we are 
called to stand fast in; for where the spirit of the Lord is, there 
is liberty. O dear brethren, strive to use this liberty not as a 
cloak to the flesh, but in love serve one another. 

As to the state of the church and revival of religion here the 
year past, it is the most glorious we ever saw. It may be 
remembered that the revival begun before our last yearly 
meeting, and about forty persons were added, mostly in Dart- 
mouth; from thence it spread in every direction, and, thanks to 
God, it continueth to this day, and we are the happy people 
whose God is the Lord. The particulars we cannot describe; 
they would fill a volume ; therefore we say, Come and see what 
God hath wrought. 

We give a general statement of the church since our last 
conference (from June, 1807, to June, 1808.) 



In Dartmouth, 


44 


added. 


3 dismissed. 


2 died. 


New Bedford Set 


iport, 44 










Fairhaven, 


30 










Rochester, 


44 










Long Plain, 


68 




3 


2 


Berkley, 


26 









Freetown, 


6 



















— 




* 262 added. 


7 dismissed. 


4 died. 


Whole numbe; 


r, 699. 








*Sce Appendix, 


B. 









104 A SKETCH OF 

Brothers Ira Phillips and William Gifford are our messengers 
this year. 

In behalf of the church. 

DANIEL HIX, Elder. 

From this report, it is clear that the church 
was in the enjoyment of unexampled prosperity. 

During the month of November, 1808, Elder 
Hix and Elder Frederick Plummer made a 
preaching tour to Rhode Island and Connecticut. 
Elder Hix writes : 

Bro. Plummer left New Bedford village Nov. 7, reached 
Assonet and preached in the evening. I left home the 8th, 
found Brother Plummer at Assonet, and from thence we rode to 
Rehoboth. I preached at Brother Edward Kilton's in the 
evening, to a crowded assembly; a good season, thank God: 
text, Rev. Vil, 14. Wednesday, 9th, we reached Providence; 
brother Plummer preached in the evening, Thursday, loth, 
went as far as Bro. W^illiam Taylor's in North Kingstown; 
tarried all night. Friday, i ith, arrived at Elder Jesse Babcock's 
in Westerly; Saturday, 12th, went to meeting with him, and 
preached from Luke, ii, 10; some hearts appeared to be touched 
by the word and spirit of God; from thence to the Lottery 
schoolhouse, where Bro. Plummer preached in the evening; 
some movement on the minds of the people; lodged at Bro. 
James Sheffield's. I preached in the morning, Sunday, 13th, 
at the same place; from there we went to the first Baptist 
church in Westerly, where I preached from John, vii, 37, with 
freedom; some rain, not a great many people; in the evening 
Brother Plummer preached in the schoolhouse by the bridge; 
lodged at Deacon Gavitt's. Monday, 14th, crossed the bridge 
into Stonington, Conn., and went to the Point, and I preached 
in the afternoon with freedom from Acts, XXVI, 22, 23. The 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 10$ 

people desired a longer visit, but I could not stay. Bro. 
Plummer however remained and preached in the evening. He 
had a powerful meeting; a number gave him their hands as a 
token that they desired an interest in Christ; a weeping time 
with the unconverted, while believers rejoiced; they followed 
him to his lodgings, and while singing, praying, and exhorting, 
some wept aloud. I returned to Mr. Gavitt's in Westerly, and 
that evening preached to a large assembly with freedom from 
Acts, VIII, 34, 35. After preaching, the meeting continued till 
midnight; a moving, melting time. O Lord, carry on thy 
work to the salvation of souls. Tuesday, 15th, Bro. Plummer 
came, and a few hours were spent in singing, praying, &c., 
with some friends; a powerful, solemn and sweet time; thence 
attended a meeting at the meeting-house, where I preached 
from Psalm VII, II, 12, 13; a storm of rain and snow, but a 
good time. We went next to Col. Noyes's and took some 
refreshments, then to Bro. Taylor's in Charlestown. I preached 
from Proverbs, VIII, 4, to a solemn and attentive assembly; 
some hearts affected, and desired prayers. O Lord, hear 
prayer and convert souls. We tarried all night; Wednesday, 
1 6th, rode to North Kingstown, and had a meeting with Elder 
William Northrup and Elder Sayer. After Elder Sayer 
preached, we had praying, singing, exhorting; a weeping, 
melting time. O Lord, revive religion in this place. Stopped 
all night at Bro. William Taylor's. Thursday, 17th, rode to 
Providence; much unwell on the way; a tedious night in great 
pain; Brother Plummer preached; after meeting he tended me 
until 2 o'clock; after this we slept some. Friday, i8th, some 
better; rode to Elder Sayer's meeting-house, and Brother Plum- 
mer preached; from thence to Elder Hathaway's in Assonet, 
where Brother Plummer preached again. I was much unwell 
this night; some brethren met us here, and we were glad. 
Saturday I returned home to my family, and found all well, 
but Brother Plummer set out for New Bedford and preached on 
the way. 



I06 A SKETCH OF 

This was a short and truly pleasant tour, but fatiguing, and 
I firmly believe some great good will be done in the name of 
the holy child Jesus. O Lord, so let it be, and thy name shall 
have all the glory. DANIEL HIX. 

This year, 1808, Elder Howard Tripp began 
preaching. He was born Nov. 8, 1789, about 
one mile south of the Head of Westport River. 
His advantages for education, like most country- 
boys of that time, were limited ; but early 
habits of industry, with plain living, strength- 
ened a good constitution, and made him one of 
the most useful men in this vicinity. When 
twelve years old, he went to live with Ebenezer 
Tripp ; with him he worked, teaming and farm- 
ing, until after his marriage. What his early 
convictions of religious truth were before con- 
version, we have no means of learning ; he has 
told some now living that, being convicted of 
sin at the age of seventeen, he felt deeply his 
situation, and many days were spent in prayer 
and self-examination before he found peace ; 
then his joy was as deep as his conviction had 
been thorough. Though ardent in temperament, 
he possessed a well-balanced mind, and soon 
gained the confidence of others ; and after re- 
lating a remarkably clear experience, he was 
baptized by Elder Hix, Oct. 25, 1807. His 
improvements were soon evident, and after 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. lO/ 

much urging, at the age of eighteen years, he 
preached his first sermon, Aug. 7, 1808, one 
half-mile from the Head of Westport River, in 
the dwelling-house occupied by the late Charles 
Craw. At this time he could hardly read the 
New Testament, but the sermon seems to have 
been well received, for he soon had invitations 
to preach in different places, and considerable 
revival interest followed his labors in Dartmouth 
and Westport. He did not devote his whole 
time to the work, but preached on the sabbath 
and evenings as opportunities presented. He 
also attended many funerals, before his ordina- 
tion in 1824. 

When he was twenty-one he hired out at ten 
dollars per month, but continued to preach in 
various localities. He was married to Thank- 
ful Tripp, daughter of James and Meribah 
Tripp, April 10, 1 8 1 1 . Soon after he separated 
from his partner in business, Ebenezer Tripp, 
and began on a small scale the business of pur- 
chasing farms. On obtaining one, it would 
make a home, while he labored constantly, 
sometimes by moonlight, building walls, &c., to 
increase its market value. After a few months' 
or years' work in this way, he would sell, or 
trade it for another at an advanced price, by 
which he accumulated quite a fortune. At one 



I08 A SKETCH OF 

time he agreed to buy a farm south of the Head 
of Westport River for one thousand dollars, but 
from representations made to him relative to 
the value 'of the land, he desired to withdraw 
from the bargain, and when the parties met to 
write the deed he offered the owner fifty dollars 
to release him from his verbal agreement. This 
was declined, and feeling that his word was as 
good as his bond, he closed the bargain. This 
was a type of the man. Economical and close 
in his dealings, as with his large family he was 
compelled to be, yet in his business relations he 
set an example that might well be imitated. In 
the case just cited, his fears proved groundless, 
for in a year he sold the farm for fifteen hun- 
dred dollars. Another plan he pursued profit- 
ably. During the short leisure after mowing, 
he would draw cord-wood into New Bedford 
and pile it in some vacant lots until the hardest 
part of the Winter season, w^hen teaming was 
impossible ; then he could sell his wood in a 
ready market. There is no doubt he received 
various presents occasionally for preaching, but 
even after ordination, though called to attend 
meetings, &c., away from home, his compensa- 
tion was unworthy the name of salary. Thus 
he labored, year after year, studying his Bible 
and a few schoolbooks at home, training his 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. IO9 

children to habits of industry, and with prudence 
maintaining his family comfortably. In May, 
1823, his house was burned, and only the most 
necessary articles were saved ; then he was 
aided somewhat in rebuilding by members of 
his church and society. 

His family consisted of his wife and nine 
children, Delilah, Benjamin Taylor, Mary A., 
Meribah, James F., John M., David H., Adeline, 
and Daniel Hix. David died some years ago. 
All the family are respectable and useful 
citizens, and one, John M. Tripp, is a preacher 
in the Advent denomination. 

It is to be regretted that Elder Tripp pre- 
served no journal or papers recording the 
events of his early ministry, but he was evidently 
needed here, and from his ordination his history 
is identified with that of the church until his 
resignation in 1857. 

Sometime in February, 1809, in New Bedford, 
Elder Hix baptized Harvey Sullings, whose 
name is still remembered there. 

The record of baptisms continues : In Roch- 
ester, April 18, Philip Atsetts ; in Sandwich, 
April 20, Josiah Macomber, Jacob Swift, Polly 
Cowne, Josiah Kinrick, a person named Night- 
ingale, Remember Swift, Mehetable Norris ; 
"a good work in this place; we thank God 
K 



no A SKETCH OF 

and take courage." In Taunton, April 24, 
Hope Hathaway, Polly Read; "a solemn and 
joyful time." May i, in New Bedford, above 
the Head of the River, at Bro. White's, ten 
married people were baptized, James Skiff, 
Joshua Tabor, Mary Tabor, Joseph Tabor, Re- 
becca Tabor, Peter Gifford, Desire Gifford, Lydia 
Tabor, Phebe Tabor, Polly Pease; "thank God 
for his work in this place." In Dartmouth, 
July 16, Richard Winslow, Jane Winslow, 
George Mosher, Phebe Mosher, Sally Lawton ; 
"a day to be remembered by many." In 
Dartmouth, July 30, Peleg Sisson, afterwards a 
preacher ; Rochester, Aug, 4, Susanna Edwards, 
Deborah Pope; Bedford village, Aug 25, Sally 
Durfee ; Westport, Sept. i, Channing Daven- 
port, Mercy Sherman; Dartmouth, Sept. 3, 
Job Terry and Maria Booth; **a solemn time." 
At the Head of the River, Sept. 14, Timothy 
Mendall, Sally Mendall, Abigail Sprague, Sally 
Tabor; ''thank God for his good work." In 
Dartmouth, Sept. 16, James Tripp was bap- 
tized ; at Bedford village, Sept. 24, Widow 
Deborah Wilson; Rochester, Nov. 2, John 
Cole and Rebecca Cole; in South Dartmouth, 
Nov. 7, Pardon Devoll, Benoni Small, Lydia 
Small, Roby Wood, and Betsey Bedon. These 
were the first baptized there. Nov. 14 in Mid- 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. Ill 

dleborough, Phebe Vaun and Clarissa VV. Bales ; 
Dartmouth, Dec. 3, Polly Bedon. 

No record appears beyond the above list for 
the year 1809, but this, with the record of 
baptisms for the year 18 10, shows that revivals 
were enjoyed in new fields, perhaps under 
the labors of Elder Tripp and other young 
preachers. 

In New Bedford there were almost continual 
revivals. Jan. 26, 18 10, Elder Hix baptized 
there Samuel Mendall and Abigail Rickenson ; 
Feb. 23, George Whitman, Betsey Mendall, 
Hannah Tripp, Ruth Wrightington, and Rhoda 
Washburn. This last candidate was the 1004th 
person Elder Hix had baptized since his ordina- 
tion, or an average of more than thirty each 
year. 

March 5, in W^estport, he baptized Ruth 
Howland ; again March 25, Jireh Brownell, 
Pardon Howland, John Briggs, Mary Briggs, 
Meribah Shearman, Mary Howland, and Eliza- 
beth Gifford. ''This was the first baptizing 
season in South Westport." 

March 30, in New Bedford, he baptized 
Amassa Simmons, Thomas Jenney, Kate Jenney, 
Rebecca Handay, Chloe Jenney, Thomas 

, and another person, name unknown. 

"Another victory gained in Dartmouth April 



112 A SKETCH OF 

8th"; Deborah Chase, Lydia Terry, and April 
21, James Allen were baptized. April 22, in 
New Bedford, Star Nicher, Enoch Butts, Sarah 
Smith, Eleanor James, Patience Briggs, and a 
candidate named Richardson were baptized ; 
"a good day; O Lord, display thy power." 
In New Bedford, May 6, Sylvia Johnson, Easter 
Adams, Agnes Richards, Dency Johnson and 
Mary Ann Gelatte were baptized ; these last 
were all colored people. In Portsmouth, R. I., 
May 13, Thomas Sisson, Rebecca Slocum, and 
Mary Cook; in New Bedford soon after, Peter 
Howard and Nancy Pease ; May 25, same place, 
Mary Hart and Rebecca Sisson. 

June 10, Elder Hix writes of a good work in 
Westport; he baptized Thomas Shearman, Ruth 
Cornell, Polly Fisher, Samuel Slocum, Dorcas 
Slocum, and a person named Briggs. July 4, in 
New Bedford at Bro. White's, "a. good time"; 
Weltha Skiff, Weltha Tabor, Rebecca Allen 
and Elizabeth Tabor were baptized ; in Middle- 
borough, July 5, Lydia Jenny; in Rehoboth, 
July 15, Elizabeth Rounds, Hannah Bliss; in 
Dartmouth, July 22, Patience Mosher; in 
Westport, Aug. 6, Susanna Gifford, Thankful 
Tripp, and Mercy Tripp ; in Dartmouth, Sept. 
I, Levi Chase; in New Bedford, at the Point, 
near the last date, Lewis Tabor, Mary Tabor, 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. II3 

Phebe Reynolds, and Hannah Bond ; in Taun- 
ton, Sept. 10, Abner Pitts; Dartmouth, Dec. 2, 
John Head. This was the last baptism in 18 10. 
The year 181 1 was characterized by the 
same revival spirit of former years, and the 
church grew rapidly in numbers and influence. 
It was also the year when the final separation 
took place from the Groton Conference. The 
following letter to Elder Silas Burrows, dated 
Aug. 2, 181 1, explains itself. 

Dear Brother and Elder, As you were the first that invited 
me to meet with the elders and brethren at Groton to form a 
union of churches, which took place June 20, 1 786, the church 
of which I am a member with myself were received into fellow- 
ship as the minutes of the above meeting now before me show. 
I cannot find that the church in Dartmouth or I have departed 
from anything contained in the proceedings of said meeting, 
except your articles of faith, body of principles and rule of 
discipline, and these I understand you have laid aside for 
others, and all them we have laid aside for the rule Christ hath 
given us. 

The proceedings of the conference for four years past, I do 
not so fully understand. I shall make some statements, and 
hope you will be able to make all things plain to me. First, 
the conference met at Groton, June 22-23, i8o8j and the church 
of Dartmouth was represented by a letter and messengers; the 
number added the year previous was two hundred and sixty- 
two. It appears by the proceedings of the conference, that 
the letter, messengers, or the blessing God had bestowed upon 
us, did not give satisfaction, for some of the elders told our 
brethren they must not commune with them, and a committee 
of elders was appointed to inquire into the standing of the 



114 A SKETCH OF 

church in Dartmouth under the pastoral care of Elder Daniel 
Hix, and report to our next conference. This committee, nor 
any other, ever came to see the church. The church expected 
to meet the committee or to hear again from the conference, 
but to our surprise we received a letter signed by Asa Wilcox in 
behalf of the conference, which says : " Beloved brethren, as 
a church in this conference, you have not been legally repre- 
sented last year nor this; we know of nothing on our part to 
hinder. We invite you to continue your seats and fellowship 
with us, believing it will be for the honor of Christ and for the 
encouragement of his people." This was dated, Westerly, June 
20, 1 8 10. This was two years after the committee was chosen 
to look into the standing of the church. From this statement, 
the candid must conclude that the conference had received 
information that all uneasiness concerning our standing was 
removed. But a wonder appears to be brought forth by the 
conference when met at West Greenwich, June 19-20, 181 1: 
" Voted to drop the Dartmouth church out of our fellowship." 
A great turn-about indeed : last year, " we know nothing to 
hinder fellowship; we invite you to continue your seat and 
fellowship with us." The church sent on brethren this year as 
messengers with a letter as heretofore, but some that had the 
lead objected to having it read in public. What was this for? 
Let the candid judge. If the letter blasphemed God or accused 
the conference wrongly, publish it to the world, that it may be 
known; if it speaks truth, why should any be ashamed? But a 
committee was appointed to examine the letter, and they con- 
sented to have it read, with this reserve, that no remarks be 
made thereon. This had the desired effect in the house, but 
after meeting the people found themselves at liberty and many 
showed their opinion of the matter. What has taken place in 
the church since the conference requested them to keep their 
seats and fellowship? Can you reconcile these proceedings? 
I know of no alteration except it be in this; that the Lord hath 
blessed us with a revival, and his work is glorious among us. 
Three in my family appear to have met with religion. The 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. II5 

work began, and has spread through all the society; it is 
believed that forty or fifty have experienced religion, and many 
more are inquiring, What shall I do? It appears to us that 
heaven owns us. Although the conference has dropped us, 
Jesus has not, thanks to God and the Lamb. 

But I forbear; I had purposed to state the treatment I have 
received, but as this letter is lengthy I omit at this time, but I 
felt it my duty to make a fair statement of the whole matter and 
publish it to the world. DANIEL HIX. 

To Elder Silas Burrus. 



On reviewing the circumstances now before us, 
several facts appear clearly. From the first the 
Dartmouth church had taken an unusual posi- 
tion in favor of religious liberty, and led by 
their clear-headed pastor, they became ener- 
getic and progressive in the work of saving 
souls. This course will always bring success, 
just as surely as a neglect of natural laws in- 
sures failure. Faithfulness created a public sen- 
timent in favor of piety, and all the converts 
being aggressive, they rapidly extended the 
boundaries of the church. Failures there cer- 
tainly were, and will be doubtless as long as 
human weakness exists, but it is believed that 
few instances are recorded where such extended 
and continual growth was maintained so many 
years. The reason is obvious, when we take 
into account the broad and everlasting princi- 
ples upon which the church was founded. It 



Il6 A SKETCH OF 

is evident also that this method of work brings 
us into collision with the unsanctified and nar- 
row-minded of all classes, with some church- 
members as well as the world. In the case 
before us, the church as a body outgrew the 
worldly-minded, whether in sister churches or 
outside any church, and its members preached 
the perfect law of liberty they had learned of 
Christ. They did not oppose their brethren 
even of a different belief, but preached against 
everything they felt was injurious to their wel- 
fare. This brought them into antagonism with 
all who loved their creed and church forms bet- 
ter than spiritual life. The church had the 
spirit of Christ, and esteemed the whole Bible 
more than any partial or one-sided statement 
of divine truth ; as a natural result, a separation 
became necessary. The believers here felt that 
the whole ought not to be sacrificed for a part, 
nor were they willing to surrender the natural 
right of thinking for themselves. Thus obeying 
the law of progress, they were led on to still 
higher degrees of religious prosperity. Nor is 
the good sense and judgment of Elder Hix less 
clearly apparent than his apostolic faith; his 
course was most judicious in preparing the way 
for the inevitable change, and he had a faculty 
of finding work for all, while his mind contin- 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. II7 

ually sought new channels of usefulness. He 
encouraged young men to preach, and from the 
records it is certain that if they departed from 
sound doctrine, he looked after them that no 
harm should come to others. He had occasion 
sometimes for rebuke, but an instance of harsh 
dealing has yet to be found ; he seems to have 
been in season and out of season ever doing 
the Master's work. 

In the year 181 1 Elder Hix baptized the fol- 
lowing candidates: in Rochester, Jan. 17, Eze- 
kiel Cushman and Widow Rider, and i8th, two 
persons named Miggs; New Bedford, March 
17, Rachel Sullings, Betsey Cottle, Mary Sand- 
ford, Avis Ellis ; also two more in April, names 
unknown ; in Dartmouth, July 7, Calvin Rey- 
nolds ; again Aug. 4, Abigail Jones and Phebe 
Tabor; Aug. 11, Edward Wilson ; in Rochester, 
Aug. 13, Andrew Randall; Dartmouth, Aug. 
25, Elijah Allen and Daniel Gifford ; Aug. 28, 
in Watuppa ponds, Job Sherman ; Sept. 8, in 
Dartmouth, Jacob Samson; also Sept. 22, Jona- 
than Gifford, Abraham Allen, Stephen Ashley, 
James Ashley, Elisha Fuller, Jason Phillips, 
Lewis Gifford, Mary Davis, and Lucy Millard. 
" The work is glorious at this time ; thank the 
Lord. Saints rejoice, converts sing, sinners 
mourn." In Rochester, Long Plain society, 



Il8 A SKETCH OF 

Ebenezer Keene, jr., Abigail Wilbour and Eliz- 
abeth Wilcox were baptized ; "a good work in 
this place." There seems to have been an in- 
creased interest in Dartmouth at this time, Oct. 
6, for he writes, ** The work is glorious ; thank 
God I live to see this day ; all glory to the Lamb 
that was slain for us." Candidates baptized, 
Sylvanus Allen, 2d, George Gifford, Pardon 
Jones, John Samson, Asa Nichols, Leonard 
Ashley, Alden Collins, Hix Gifford, Betsey Ash- 
ley, Amy Woddle ; at North Westport, Oct. 9, 
John Crapo, Abraham Wordle. Nine members 
of the Long Plain society were baptized in 
Rochester soon after, James Simmons, Mercy 
Simmons, Joseph Wilbour, Asa Brient, Otis 
Oliver, Gibson Cushman, Catharine Pope, Delila 
Shearman, and Polly Sears ; " this and the day 
before was a solemn and joyful time." In Dart- 
mouth, Oct. 20, Major Pool, William Jucket, 
Barbara Jucket, Isaac Babcock, Abiel Crapo, 
Leonard Millard, Joseph Briggs and Rebecca 
Briggs were baptized ; " a day of rejoicing and 
gladness of heart to many; thank the Lord." 
Also the same day, Mary Crapo, Nancy Burdin, 
Anna Washburn, Anna Russell, Lucy Snell, 
Betsey Allen. *' Elder Babcock preached to- 
day to our satisfaction." Oct. 28, at Morton's 
ponds, Eliza Braley and Lucy Braley ; Oct. 29, 



ELDER DANIEL IIIX. II9 

at Rounseville's, probably In Freetown, Betsey 
Cummings and Lucy Ashley were baptized. 
Oct. 30, in Rochester, " the good work contin- 
ues " ; Charles Brightman, Meribah Brightman, 
John Sears and Nancy Sears were baptized. In 
Dartmouth, Nov. 3, Ezra Winslow, Abraham 
Ashley, jr., William Gifford, Content Crapo, 
Susanna Crapo, Susanna Gifford, Mary Samson, 
Elizabeth Bedon, Dighton Millard, Susanna 
Butts, William Ashley, and David Chase ; '* the 
spirit of the Lord this day was powerful, to the 
joy of saints and reaching sinners' hearts ; praise 
ye the Lord, for he is worthy." In Westport at 
the Narrows, Elijah Blossom, Bradford Burdin, 
Mercury Besse, Susanna Briggs, Eliza Crocker; 
" a good time ; the work increases in this place." 
In Dartmouth, Nov. 17, Arabia Samson, David 
Butts, jr. ; also Dec. i, Betsey Maxfield ; West- 
port, Dec. 5, Pardon Wordell ; Freetown, Dec. 
12, Alick Burdin, Jeptha Ashley, Sarah Cottle; 
"a good day." Dartmouth, Dec. 15, Anna 
Jones, Hannah Jones. 

The necessities of the society required at this 
time a larger house of worship, and in the Sum- 
mer of 181 1 the old house was taken down and 
a new one built, furnished partly with pews and 
partly with seats. Here Elder Hix preached 
many years, two or three Sundays in a month. 



120 A SKETCH OF 

to large congregations from all the surrounding 
country and even from other towns. In his ab- 
sence, the pulpit was supplied by Elder Ira 
Phillips or Howard Tripp, or some other local 
preachers. 

In the year 1811, Mr. Thomas Lee felt it his 
duty to preach, and for several years held meet- 
ings in different neighborhoods. He was a man 
of considerable ability, and made many warm 
friends. He conceived that ordination was un- 
necessary, and baptized some converts, but the 
church not countenancing his irregularities, he 
left it, and finally joined the Shakers. He died 
Feb. 10, 1857. 

The year 1812 was a time of excitement, yet 
the revival spirit continued in the church. Elder 
Hix pursued the course of former years, preach- 
ing and baptizing. Jan. 9, 18 12, he baptized 
Joseph Davis; in Dartmouth, Feb. 2, Elizabeth 
Wordel; also April 5, Hope Collins; in Middle- 
borough, April 13, Joseph Finney, another per- 
son named Finney, Zilpha Freeman, Abigail 
Sturdevant; again April 27, in Middleborough, 
Lathrop Lewis, a person named Finney, Han- 
nah Westgate, and Betsey Hoover; in Dart- 
mouth, soon after, Sally Crapo ; in Fairhaven, 
John Perry and Sophia Spooner; Dartmouth, 
May 17, Charles Crapo; Westport, May 21, 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 121 

Pardon Thomson, Nancy Mosher, and Elizabeth 
Gifford. Elder Hix went to Middleborough 
May 25, and baptized James Finney, Job Hoar, 
Maria Finney, and Sally Hoar; " bless the Lord 
for the good work in this place." May 30, in 
Fairhaven, he baptized Stephen Davis and 
Thomas Omans ; Dartmouth, June 7, a person 
named Butts and another named Burt, Ruth 
Crapo, and Sarah Cottle, 2d ; *' praise the Lord 
for his spirit." Middleborough, June 15, Anna 
Phinney, Betsey Lewis, Phebe Quinn ; ** a good 
time; thank the Lord." Rochester, June 18, 
Lydia Randall and Susanna Howard ; and the 
19th, Richard Randall and Keziah Randall; at 
the Narrows, July i, Hannah Crandall and Phebe 
Wordel; July 5, in Dartmouth, Richard Collins, 
Alpheus Simmons, Maria Perce ; at the Nar- 
rows, July 8, Samson Sherman, jr., and another 
person named Sherman; Rochester, July 10, 
Caleb Mendall and Maria Mendall ; July 11, in 
Middleborough, Mercy Hare; July 23, in Free- 
town, Hannah Ashley and Polly Burdin ; *' a 
good day; thank the Lord." Aug. 2, in Dart- 
mouth, a person named Reed; at Bro. Rounse- 
ville's, Freetown, Oct. 30, two candidates, named 
Cummings and Lucas ; in Dartmouth, the last 
of the year, B. C. Reynolds's wife. 
L 



122 A SKETCH OF 

The revival interest during the year 1813 was 
much less, yet we should suppose Elder Hix 
had a good degree of success. He baptized at 
the Ponds, Aug. 12, Sister Peckham ; in Attle- 
borough, Aug. 15, Stephen Bensale, Timothy 
Bullock, James Ellis, Alfred Wilmarth, Truman 
Hall, James Sadler, Zelotes Fuller, Esther El- 
dridge, and Ruam Tabor ; '* a good day, and long 
to be remembered ; thank the Lord for his good 
work in this place." Aug. 20, he went to Mid- 
dleborough and baptized one person, and Sept. 
17 he baptized Levi Hathaway there; in Free- 
town, Percival Ashley near this time ; and Oct. 
21 he baptized Zilpha DevoU on the sea coast 
in Dartmouth. 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 23 



CHAPTER V. 

WAR OF 181 2 ; SECESSION OF ANTI-WAR MEMBERS ; 
REVIVAL AND FORMATION OF THE FIRST CHRIS- 
TIAN CHURCH IN WESTPORT; ORDINATION OF 
ELDER HOWARD TRIPP; GREAT REVIVAL OF 
1825; ORGANIZATION OF FALL RIVER CHURCH; 
OTHER REVIVALS ; DEATH OF AUNT MARY HIX ; 
LAST SERMON AND DEATH OF ELDER DANIEL 
HIX; CHURCH TROUBLES; TEMPERANCE RE- 
FORM ; LIST OF MEMBERS. 

During the war with Great Britain, from 18 12 
to 18 1 5, New England interests were very much 
depressed, and the alarms of war, with prostra- 
tion of business, made money scarce, while pro- 
visions were very high. The people of the 
Dartmouth church bore their full share of hard- 
ship, yet another trial was in store for them. 
This was a secession of sixteen members, on 
the question of bearing arms. It is evident the 
non resistant element had been in the church 
from its organization, and but for the war might 
have remained passive ; but as a number of the 
church members had been drafted into the 
coast guard, the question became prominent. It 
was agitated for several years, but it is not 



124 A SKETCH OF 

known that Elder Hix took a decided stand 
either for or against it. When disunion became 
inevitable, he is said to have remarked in his 
quaint way, ''The same door is open to go out 
that they had to come in, and I hope they 
won't take the side of the house with them." 

Some time near the close or soon after he 
war, the following named members withdrew 
and formed a separate meeting: Rufus Tripp> 
David Craw, Ebenezer Tripp, James Upham, 
Levi Chase, Joseph Davis, Cynthia Crapo, 
Mercy Shearman, Elizabeth Mosher, John Gif- 
ford, Thomas Winslow, Abner Devoll, Pardon 

Rowland, Rowland, Anna Williams, 

Ruth Cornell. The church clerk in his record 
says, **The above mentioned brethren and sisters 
formed a church by themselves in consequence 
of the church fellowshiping members that bear 
arms." Abner Devoll and Joseph Davis were 
their ministers, and after holding meetings in 
this vicinity for a while, they worshiped in a 
meeting-house at the Read of Westport River. 
Rere Elder Peleg Sisson preached, and after 
the society was disbanded the meeting-house 
was removed to Pine Rill, Westport. Evidently 
the community was unprepared for such ex- 
treme views, which accounted for the failure of 
the movement. 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. I25 

For several years after the war, the church 
records are few and brief, and we hear of no 
revival until 1819. We are told that at this 
time the custom of feet washing was practised 
by some on communion days, and that the 
church cared for its own poor. These were 
among the earliest customs of this church. 

It must have been in the Fall of 18 19, or just 
before the revival of that year, that Abiathar 
Pool and Alpheus Simmons, with a colored 
man, were burning charcoal on the present farm 
of Captain Clothier Peirce, and as usual lodged 
in a cabin near the pit. One night, remarkable 
for its extreme stillness, the colored man awoke 
almost suffocated. He called to his compan- 
ions, and hastened out, supposing the pit to be 
on fire; seeing no blaze, he hastily secured help 
for his comrades, which came too late ; they 
were both dead. This event seemed to startle 
some to a sense of their danger out of Christ. 

Soon afterwards a revival began, which ex- 
tended into Westport, and resulted in the for- 
mation of the First Christian church in that 
town, besides a number of additions to the 
Dartmouth church. The First Christian church 
of Westport was formed at the Head of West- 
port River in 18 19, and the following named 
persons were acknowledged as members by 
L^ 



126 A SKETCH OF 

Elder Hix : Peleg Sisson, afterwards the pastor ; 
Jonathan Mosher, deacon ; George Mosher, 
Thadeus Reynolds, Catherine Soule, Phebe 
Mosher, Rachel Tripp, Susanna Lawton, Eliza- 
beth Tripp, Sophia Tripp. Some of these 
members were dismissed from the Dartmouth 
church, and the others were converts in West- 
port. 

Elder Howard Tripp had now grown to be a 
useful preacher. He was favored with much 
revival interest, and Elder Hix was called to 
baptize many candidates. There is reason to 
believe that there were occasional seasons of 
special interest after 1819, but no general refor- 
mation until 1824. Then a revival began which 
extended far and wide. 

About the first of November, 1824, Elder 
Mark Fernald visited North Dartmouth, from 
an impression that he ought to do so, and 
though he traveled out of his way one hundred 
miles, yet he said, *'A11 my expense was made 
good to me, and I found it good to hear the 
Shepherd's voice." Many converts afterwards 
dated their experiences from his sermons. 
While here he was a member of the council 
called to ordain Howard Tripp to the work of 
the gospel ministry. These services were held 
Nov. 3, 1824. The council consisted of Mark 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 27 

Fernald, Moses How, Daniel Hix, and Benjamin 
Taylor, whose names were all signed to the 
certificate of ordination, now in the possession 
of Benjamin T. Tripp. Tabor Ashley was 
ordained deacon the same day. 

The death of Deacon Abraham Ashley, in 
the first part of December, 1824, being very 
sudden, had such an effect upon the community 
that three young people, Robert W. Cottle, 
Barnabas Collins, and Hope Collins, resolved to 
seek the Lord. Deacon Ashley had been long 
in the church, and though strongly Calvinistic, 
so much so that he refused to vote for the 
denominational change of the church, yet for 
the sake of peace he kept his place, and died in 
the triumphs of a Christian faith. The three 
young people just named kept their resolution, 
and the reformation extended from Dartmouth 
to Westport, Fall River, Freetown, and Middle- 
borough. The revival seemed almost a surprise 
to Elder Hix and others most interested. 
Among the first conversions was that of a young 
lady named Reynolds, who lived with Deacon 
Abiel Davis. She was on a visit to her home 
at Copicut, and at a meeting held there, first 
rose for prayers. On hearing the news, the 
worthy Deacon exclaimed, ''Surely the Lord 
was in the place and I knew it not." The 



128 A SKETCH OF 

revival continued until the Fall of 1826, and 
resulted in nearly one hundred additions to the 
church in Dartmouth, besides many who were 
converted in other places. There must have 
been several hundred conversions in all. Elder 
Tripp preached mostly in Westport and Elder 
Hix in Dartmouth, but both baptized in different 
localities. The church record says, "The re- 
vival appeared to spread in different directions, 
people were anxious to attend meetings, young 
people began to desire the prayers of Christians, 
solemnity was visible in all the meetings, and 
many embraced religion and spoke of the glory 
of the Lord." 

In the first part of February, 1825, ten young 
converts were baptized by Elders Hix and 
Tripp, and the last part of the month three 
more. March 5, eleven joined the church; the 
next day, ten more were baptized by Elders 
Hix and Tripp; March 10, two candidates were 
baptized at the Ponds by Elder Hix. March 
19, ten believers were added to the church; 
March 20, thirteen were baptized, and March 
24, four others at the Ponds. April 2, seven- 
teen who had been baptized joined the church. 
April 3, Elder Hix went to Troy (Fall River) 
and baptized three persons ; April 7, seven 
more were baptized by Elders Hix and Tripp ; 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. I29 

April 14, Elder Hix baptized four at Troy; 
April 16, twelve were added to the church, and 
the next day Elders Hix and Tripp baptized 
seven more; April 21, Elders Hix and Tripp 
baptized four persons at Freetown Furnace ; 
May 7, five persons joined the church ; May 8, 
four were baptized, one of whom joined the 
church; May 21 four believers were received 
into the church, and May 22 Elder Hix bap- 
tized five more converts; May 25 Elder Tripp 
baptized three in Westport, and in the month 
of May Elder Hix visited Fall River and bap- 
tized eight; Elder Hix baptized two persons 
June 19, and the same month three more in Fall 
River. July 2, five joined the church. 

June 19, 1826, Elder Hix baptized two per- 
sons ; at the July church meeting, four joined the 
church; July 3, two believers were baptized by 
Elder Tripp. 

It is evident the record of baptisms is far 
from complete, but the additions to the church 
during this revival are recorded in the list of 
members. 

The condition of the church at this time must 
have resembled its earlier history when converts 
were multiplied, for nearly all the young people 
became interested in religion and joined the 
church. 



130 A SKETCH OF 

March 5, 1825, the church chose Jesse W. 
Nichols clerk, which office he filled until his 
removal to Connecticut in 1830. 

In the year 1825, Rev. Albert G. Morton 
began his public ministry in this place ; he 
preached his first sermon, from Heb. xil, i, in 
the church at Hixville, Aug. 7, 1825, at the age 
of twenty-one years, thus giving a promise 
of usefulness which has been amply fulfilled by 
a long and honorable life. Elder Hix seems to 
have taken pains to encourage young men in 
the ministry, and the results must have been 
gratifying to him in later years. 

Beyond the revival of 1825-6, there were few 
incidents of importance until the reformation of 
1830. Church meetings were regularly held the 
first Saturday of each month ; the branch 
churches were visited occasionally by Elder Hix 
or Tripp, and the meetings generally were well 
attended. This state of things was maintained 
by the progressive character of the church ; it 
led, not followed public sentiment, and its 
influences largely moulded the youthful minds 
which came upon the stage of action, and pre- 
pared them to become the bone and sinew of 
the church to-day. 

It is interesting to note the process of growth 
in any society, especially such an organization 



ELDER DANIEL IIIX. I3I 

as the church before us. A few sermons 
preached by Elder Jacob Hix In almost a 
wilderness were followed by a work of grace 
covering townships, originating churches of 
large influence, and calling into activity the 
multiplied religious forces of our day. It is 
truly wonderful ; It must be the work of God. 

One reason for the success of the church in 
Dartmouth, is the fact that being aggressive, it 
was consequently united. In some respects, a 
church resembles an army ; it must have an ob- 
ject ever in view, and a few days of Idleness or 
distraction of thought will do more injury than 
a season of persecution. This church had a 
leader whose counsels were practical ; he knew 
the people with whom he lived, and he was sus- 
tained by a strong-willed membership, whose 
prayers and hymns carried conviction to Zion's 
foes. Intense, practical, and with a profound 
knowledge of human nature, it would have been 
strange if Elder Hix and the church had failed 
in their work. 

In 1828 the Christian conference was held 
with the church in Dartmouth. We have no 
particulars of this meeting, but it was doubtless 
profitable to the people. 

In 1829 another revival began, which contin- 
ued several years. At the church meeting held 



132 A SKETCH OF 

March 7, 1829, three persons were added to the 
church. 

At this meeting, a committee, consisting of 
Elder Howard Tripp, Deacon Tabor Ashley, 
Brothers Jonathan Davis, Pardon Wordelle and 
Jesse W. Nichols, was chosen with Elder Hix 
to revise the church records. The committee 
met ^t Elder Hix's house, and proceeded to 
copy from the old. records all the names of the 
living members, and found two hundred thirty- 
seven persons enrolled ; two hundred twenty- 
six had been dismissed or removed, and one 
hundred fifty-seven had died, since the organi- 
zation of the church ; this of course included 
only the Dartmouth church. 

This month (March,) another church meet- 
ing was held, at which *'a committee was 
appointed to visit some brethren and sisters who 
have not attended meeting for some years, and 
learn their state of mind." 

A letter was also read in this meeting from 
Elder Joshua V. Himes, who then preached in 
Troy, stating " that a revival in that place had 
caused the brethren there to think of forming a 
church." "Some thirty or forty had been con- 
verted, and Elder Hix was requested to meet 
with them on the evening of April 9, for the 
purpose of organizing a church, providing it is 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 33 

deemed expedient ; also ten of our brethren and 
sisters who reside there have requested a dis- 
mission and letters of recommendation as soon 
as the church is organized." This request was 
granted, and the following named persons were 
dismissed with letters of recommendation under 
date of April 4, 1829: Silas Collins, Peleg 
Babcock, Ezekiel Chace, Rebecca Burt, Priscilla 
Chace, Abiah T. Snell, Lydia Horton, Sally 
Blossom, Betsey Durfee, Lydia Chace. "The 
church being formed at Fall River, the above 
named members are dismissed from this 
church." This is attested by J. W. Nichols, 
church clerk. Ezekiel and Lydia Chace after- 
wards returned. 

Some months before, Jonathan Davis had 
been chosen deacon, and now took his place. 

May 3, 1829, Elder Tripp baptized two young 
ladies, who subsequently joined the church. 
The revival interest continued, and though not 
so sweeping as in former years, thirteen joined 
the church this Summer. Baptizing was sus- 
pended for the Winter, but eleven were baptized 
and joined the church in the Spring of 1830, 
Nine others became church members during the 
Summer. The years 183 1, 2 and 3 witnessed a 
steady growth in numbers, though during this 
time quite a number of the older members were 
M 



134 A SKETCH OF 

claimed by death. Several members near this 
time were dealt with for various misdemeanors 
and dismissed. 

A revival began in the Summer of 1832 at 
Westport Factory, in some prayer-meetings held 
there, and about fifty were converted. Among 
the converts was Ruth Gifford, a beautiful and 
intelligent girl of a cheerful disposition, who 
with others at first went to a meeting and lis- 
tened outside a while, and then came away. 
She afterwards married Elder John Phillips, and 
was the mother of J. T. Phillips, one of our 
ministers in Indiana. 

Near this date the health of Elder Hix began- 
to fail, and we have no more records of 
baptism at his hands. In August, 1832, Elder 
Elijah Shaw made him a visit and preached 
for him. " Elder Hix was then seventy- 
seven years old, had preached more than fifty 
years, and baptized between fifteen hundred 
and two thousand persons." It is likely he 
wished to be relieved from a part of his work, 
for at a church meeting, March 9, 1833, it was 
unanimously voted to have Elder Howard Tripp 
to preach in Dartmouth one half or three quar- 
ters of the time for the ensuing year; also 
voted that he should take the care and charge 
of the First Christian Church in Dartmouth, that 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 35 

Elder Daniel Hix, through age and infirmities, 
wished to be released from. At this time Jona- 
than Davis was church clerk. It is not likely 
Elder Hix gave up preaching all at once, but 
his health became no better, and the church 
voted unanimously, June 7, 1834, ** that Elder 
Howard Tripp should have the care and charge 
of the church so long as they could walk to- 
gether." 

The Summer of 1833 was characterized by 
the same gentle shower of grace that had marked 
preceding years, and December 7th quite a 
number joined the church. The church was 
still in view of its aged pastor, and the able 
hands of Elder Tripp executed whatever seemed 
necessary for the public good. It was indeed 
the busiest and perhaps the most useful period 
of Elder Tripp's life. Around him were gath- 
ered not only his own children but others almost 
as dear, who were coming to fill the places of 
those who had fallen under the leadership of 
Elder Hix. It was Elder Tripp's work to en- 
courage and train these converts for the stern 
trials that should come upon the church. The 
work was with the Divine help well done ; for 
had it not been for those years of frequent re- 
vivals from 1830 to 1842, there would scarcely 
have been a church to-day. Never has been 



136 A SKETCH OF 

exemplified more clearly a Father's hand in the 
care of his church, than during this part of its 
history. Of a large company of young people 
then converted, a number of both sexes have 
been faithful through all subsequent trials, and 
are still sustaining the church by precept, ex- 
ample, and means, striving to gather in recruits 
for Zion. The wild frenzy of 1843 failed to 
carry them away, discouragements have not 
driven them from the post of duty, nor church 
dissensions kept them from the sabbath service. 
They are now growing old, but they are yet 
known as the bulwarks of the church. God 
bless them. 

Perhaps, like empires, churches have stages 
of growth and seasons of decay.. It is clear 
that for more than ten years prior to 1843 the 
church at Hixville, under the care of Elder 
Tripp, was a power in the community. It is 
said that during that time intemperance was in- 
creasing ; that was perhaps true of every country 
village in Massachusetts. Sabbath-breaking was 
common, no doubt, but the church member who 
drank freely was dismissed, while the line be- 
tween piety and vice was drawn more clearly 
than now. The church as a body commanded 
the respect of the community, and certainly 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 37 

embraced the most respectable portion of the 
people. 

In the Summer of 1835, the first Sunday- 
school was organized at Hixville. 

Elder Hix preached but little after 1833. He 
had suffered for several years from a kidney dis- 
ease, and gradually his disorder took the form 
of consumption, but having a farm, he was en- 
abled with his wife to live comfortably as they 
walked quietly down the western hill of life. 

Aunt Mary was called first. Though suffer- 
ing at times from a humor, she had been able 
to work hard through life and exercise all the 
qualities of a thrifty housekeeper. Having no 
children of their own, she with her husband had 
brought up several children in the course of 
their sixty years of married life; and though 
more impulsive than Elder Hix, Aunt Mary is 
still remembered with love by those who knew 
her best. In the last of August or first of Sep- 
tember she took a severe cold, which with the 
humor produced a fever, of which she died, 
Sept. 28, 1837. Elder Moses How preached 
her funeral sermon, from the text, " Mary hath 
chosen that good part, which shall not be taken 
away from her." Luke, X, 42. This sad event, 
in his weak state, perhaps shortened Elder Hix's 
life. 



138 A SKETCH OF 

About two months after, he preached his last 
sermon, Thanksgiving day, Nov. 20, 1837. ^^ 
are told that people came many miles to hear 
what all expected to be his farewell discourse. 
Just before speaking, he whispered, ** I have 
forgotten my text." *' Can you tell any of the 
words ? " asked the younger pastor. ** The word 
thanks was in it." "Was it Thanks be unto 
God for his unspeakable gift?" ** Yes, that 
was it." His text was found in II Cor. IX, 15, 
Elder Tripp helped him to his feet, and he 
spoke for an hour with considerable animation. 
It was Elder Hix's last public service. 

This Fall his health failed considerably. Dea- 
con Jonathan Davis, being elected representa- 
tive to Boston, before going away called upon 
Elder Hix, and found him very feeble. He said 
but little, and evidently realized his situation. 
Before Mr. Davis left, he received for safe keep- 
ing a number of church books, records, &c., 
which have been used in the preparation of this 
work. 

Elder Hix continued to fail until March 22, 
1838, when he expired, aged 82 years 3 months 
22 days. He had spoken occasionally of his 
approaching death, and always with the assur- 
ance of a life beyond the grave ; but it was the 
life which for more than fifty years had been 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 39 

devoted to Christ that bore the strongest evi- 
dence of eternal realities. His funeral services 
were conducted by Elder How, who preached 
from the text, " Help, Lord ; for the godly man 
ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the 
children of men." Psalm XII, i. His remains, 
with those of his wife, were interred near the 
church of his choice, according to his request, 
and are almost surrounded by the graves of his 
friends and former church members. 

Thus ended a successful life, a life founded 
on integrity, matured by successes in his chosen 
work. He died as the sun sets beyond the hills, 
reflecting backward rays of light and glory. 
Truly he was a great man ; whether we consider 
his early disadvantages or later responsibilities, 
he manifested a clear mind with a discriminat- 
ing judgment worthy of all praise. Energy, 
native talent and discretion were all exhibited in 
his life work. 

Among the first converts of the revival in 
1825 was Barnabas Collins, who afterwards felt 
it his duty to preach, and he was ordained April 
25, 1838, shortly after Elder Hix's death, by 
Elders Moses How and Howard Tripp. This 
seemed necessary, as Elder Tripp needed help. 
Elder Collins is still living in New Bedford at 
an advanced age. 



140 A SKETCH OF 

Soon after this, religious changes took place, 
which it is said Elder Hix foresaw. These 
changes cannot be attributed wholly to his ab- 
sence ; they came largely as the result of cir- 
cumstances natural in themselves. The branch 
churches had before this become practically in- 
dependent, and if Elder Hix had lived longer 
he might not have had influence enough to allay 
the trouble in relation to singing, or prevent the 
Advent excitement. It is plain the church had 
reached another crisis, and several causes com- 
bined to reduce the membership and injure its 
influence. 

To explain the declension which followed, 
attention must be given to certain principles 
ever in operation. The laws of success require 
of a church that there be a union of purpose, 
which union can only grow out of a personal 
religious experience. Again, if this union is 
interrupted by new influences, or new purposes 
divert the mind from the work of salvation, 
other interests appear, and the door is opened 
for prejudice and jealousy with all the hateful 
broods of selfishness to enter. Such being the 
case, farewell to peace, discipline, and piety. 
The only safe course is never to allow anything 
to lead the church away from its legitimate 
work. When unavoidable questions arise, threat- 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 14I 

ening disunion, the principles of the Bible should 
be applied by mutual consent or by disinterested 
councils in a way that will not provoke public 
discussion ; the method of work is often as im- 
portant as the work itself. Love and justice 
are ever in harmony, and if Christians even yet 
realized the power of charity, many difficulties 
might be avoided. 

Elder Hix ever acted on these principles, and 
his church was always alive and at work. When 
questions came up like that of singing, he took 
a common-sense view of them. He said once 
in reference to this question, " I am willing the 
devil should look over my shoulder if he will 
hear me preach." The decision of the council 
years before in Elder Hathaway's church reveals 
his opinion about singing. 

From the first, an executive committee had 
been elected, to which questions were sometimes 
referred for decision. In 1837, Nov. 18, a busi- 
ness meeting of the church was called, to deter- 
mine the power of this committee. The subject 
of singing by note had come up, and some had 
denied the power of the committee to decide 
such questions. At this meeting it was unani- 
mously voted *' that the committee had a right 
to decide on all matters brought before it." 
The next subject was the mode of singing, and 



142 A SKETCH OF 

" it was voted that the way they anciently sang 
should be practised in the meeting-house for 
the future." 

This did not settle the question : quite a 
number of the younger people were good 
singers, and naturally wished to sing correctly ; 
the discussion became warm, and for months 
the cords of brotherly love were loosened. A 
committee of several brethren was appointed to 
examine the writings of Elder Hix and learn 
the former proceedings, and at a church meet- 
ing held April 27, 1838, a compromise was 
made by the following votes, as recorded by 
Jonathan Davis, clerk: "Voted that they 
would have note singing for the future. Voted 
that those who made no profession of religion 
might join with them in singing. Voted that 
those brethren and sisters who do not, join in 
singing by note may select a hymn or ask the 
minister to select a hymn and read it for them 
to sing; also voted not to invite the nonpro- 
fessors into the singers' seat." 

The subject however did not rest, for at a 
business meeting called Dec. 6, 1839, the sub- 
ject of singing was taken up, **and as consider- 
able had been said and felt about the way that 
singing should be practised, it called the attend- 
ance of a large number of faithful brethren 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 43 

that appeared to feel desirous that union and 
fellowship might again be felt in the church as 
a body. After all present that wished to speak 
had given in their minds and views on the sub- 
ject, they almost unanimously came to the 
conclusion that singing should be governed by 
the church ; and that the brethren and sisters 
and those who had experienced religion and 
lived as Christians should have the privilege of 
singing by note in the meeting-house at any 
time or all times when they chose." This was 
probably the best course that could have been 
taken, for we hear of no more trouble about 
singing. 

At the yearly church meeting, held May 16, 
1840, the church committee chosen were Abra- 
ham Ashley, Lemuel Reed, William Cowen, 
John Millard, Danforth Hathaway, Samuel Sa- 
bins, and Joshua Wordelle. The last named 
served t^vo years, when he resigned, and Benja- 
min Gifford was elected in his place. David 
Wilson was afterwards added to this committee. 
The above-named persons were chosen "to be a 
standing committee, and were to have authority, 
and it is meant to be their duty to visit such 
members as the church shall direct them to 
visit ; to decide on all difficulties that may take 
place in the church, and if necessary call special 



144 A SKETCH OF 

meetings for business, but in all cases the com- 
mittee shall be under the control of the church. 
The decisions of this committee are however to 
be final." 

"At the church meeting held June 6, 1840, 
the following named brethren were chosen and 
set apart for deacons : Abraham Ashley, David 
Wilson, Perry Davis." 

During the year 1840, a good degree of 
interest prevailed, which continued until 1842, 
at which time many gave evidence of being 
born again. About fifty joined the church in 
1842. This revival was in connection with the 
temperance reform begun the year before. 

Elder Timothy Cole probably delivered the 
first temperance lecture in the place, in 1831. 
A pledge was circulated and signed to abstain 
from all distilled liquors, and a society was 
formed, and meetings held for some time. The 
pledge proving its weakness by allowing the free 
use of fermented liquors, the society fell into 
disrepute. 

In 1 84 1 the present Total Abstinence Wash- 
ingtonian Society was formed, which by moral 
suasion has accomplished much good. The 
first president was Gilbert Millard, and being 
sustained by Elder Tripp, John Millard, Dan- 
forth Hathaway and others, the society soon 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 45 

became a power in the community. There is 
no doubt such a society was needed, as drunk- 
enness was common, and in some parts of the 
town, sabbath-breaking, fighting and poverty 
were frequently seen. There was the usual 
opposition to a new movement, but being 
forwarded by a large number of the young 
people, the work went on, and its benefits are 
enjoyed to-day. The society has found it 
necessary to make but little change in its 
methods of work up to the present time. The 
meetings have ever been conducted as gospel 
temperance meetings, held sometimes in the 
church, sometimes in a hall or schoolroom, 
and in private dwellings in different localities. 
Occasionally lecturers have been employed, but 
usually, after opening the meeting by singing 
and prayer, all who choose speak on the subject 
of temperance or religion as seems best. The 
yearly meeting elects a president and vice- 
presidents, clerk and treasurer, with an execu- 
tive committee of both sexes to labor with 
those who violate the pledge, and manage the 
general interests of the society. Care is 
taken to deal with members on Christian prin- 
ciples, and in no case is a member's name 
stricken from the roll until all means of reform 
have failed. Could the history of this society 
N 



146 A SKETCH OF 

be written, many surprising cases of reform 
would be made public ; sometimes there is a 
failure, but usually love and forbearance with 
private discipline are successful, and the ine- 
briate is restored. Like the church, its in- 
fluence has extended to other localities and has 
quietly done much good. The presidents of 
this society, as nearly as they can now be 
ascertained, have been Gilbert Millard, Abra- 
ham A. Allen, Andrew T. Wilbur, Frederick P. 
Wilbur, Washington Whithead, Job Chace, 
William Gifford, Elder William Faunce, Otis 
Manchester, Ebenezer C. Andrews, S. M. An- 
drews, James Webb, J. C. Hathaway, Richard 
Duckworth, and Irving C. Reed, with perhaps 
some others. It is believed, although the 
meetings have been suspended sometimes in 
Summer, that for nearly forty years a meeting 
each week has been a fair average. It should 
be said, that the society has engaged the labors 
of many church members, and exercised a favor- 
able influence upon the morals of the com- 
munity. 

The following is a list of church members 
living in 1829, with all who joined from 1825 to 
Nov. 2, 1844. 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 47 

When received. 

Before 1825 Abram A. Allen, died April 2, 1872. 

Before 1825 Amy Allen, deceased. 

April 2, 1825 Isaac Allen, unknown. 

Before 1825 Mercy Allen, dead. 

Dec. 7, 1833 Sarah Allen, dismissed by request. 

March 5,1842 Sylvenus Allen, went away. 

March 19, 1825 Almira Samson Andrews, died in faith. 

April 16, 1842 Ann E. Andrews, dead. 

Sept. 2, 1837 Betsey Andrews, dead. 

June 4, 1836 Ebenezer Andrews, withdrew April 6, 1843. 

March 4, 1833 Hannah Pool Andrews. 

Aug. 2, 1834 John Andrews, jr., dead. 

Oct. 2, 1 83 1 Stephen Andrews, 2d, dismissed with letter. 

June 4, 1836 William F. Andrews, died in faith 1877. 

Before 1825 Abraham Ashley, deacon, died June, 1870. 

Before 1825 Almeda Ashley, dead. 

Before 1825 EHzabeth Ashley, dead. 

June 2, 1838 George Ashley, dead. 

Before 1825 Hannah Ashley, dead. 

July 7, 1827 Hannah Ashley, dead. 

March 5, 1825 Hope Collins Ashley, withdrew Sept. 7, 1844. 

Before 1825 James Ashley, died 1839. 

March 3, 1838 Jefferson Ashley, withdrew Nov. 4, 1843. 

Before 1825 Leonard Ashley, dismissed with letter Nov. 6, 

1852. 
Jan. 4, 1837 Malora Crapo Ashley, withdrew March, 1845. 
June 4, 1842 Phebe Faunce Ashley. 
April 4, 1840 Rachel Davis Ashley. 

March 5, 1825 Rebecca Ashley, died in faith Jan. 25, 1827. 
Before 1825 Stephen Ashley, dead. 
June 2, 1838 Susan Ashley, dead. 
July 2, 1842 Sybil Ashley. 

Before 1825 Tabor Ashley, deacon, died Feb. 22, 1845. 
March 7, 1829 Warren Ashley, dismissed Nov. 1837. 
Before 1825 William Ashley, died April 5, 1830. 



148 A SKETCH OF 

"When received. 

Before 1825 Chace Babcock, dismissed with letter 1829. 
Before 1825 Isaac Babcock, dead. 

April 3, 1830 Peleg Babcock, dismissed with letter 1829. 
Before 1825 Phebe Babcock, dismissed with letter 1829. 

April 4, 1840 Patience Wordelle Barney, dismissed with letter. 

June 4, 1842 Phebe Barrett, dead. 
Before 1825 Mercury Besse, dismissed Sept. i, 1832. 

July 2, 1825 Barnabas Blossom. 

June 5, 1830 Clarinda Blossom, died Dec. 1838. 

June 5, 1830 Clarissa Blossom, dismissed with letter. 

Feb. 4, 1826 Elijah Blossom, died 1840. 

May 1, 1830 Mary Blossom, dismissed with letter. 
Before 1825 Sally Millard Blossom, dismissed with letter. 

Oct. 1, 1825 Sally Millard Blossom, dismissed with letter. 

June 6, 1829 Sarah M. Blossom. 
Before 1825 Amy Booth, died Jan. ii, 1849. 
Before 1825 Elizabeth Booth, dismissed with letter Sept. 

1833. 
March 19, 1825 Alexander Borden, died 1832. 
Before 1825 Hannah Borden, dead. 
Before 1825 Mercy Borden, died 1838. 
Before 1825 Nancy Borden, removed. 
April 4, 1840 Rebecca Borden, dead. 
March 19, 1825 Thomas Borden, removed. 
Before 1825 Sally Bosworth, dismissed June, 1826. 
June 1, 1833 Elias Briggs, dismissed Sept. 1836. 
Jan. 5, 1833 Eliza Ann Briggs. 
Jan. 5, 1833 Elizabeth Briggs, withdrew Sept. 1844. 
Aug. 6, 1825 Ephraim Briggs, jr., dead. 
Before 1825 Joseph Briggs, withdrew 184 1. 
Feb. 4, 1837 Polly Briggs. 

July 3, 1 84 1 Prudence Wilbor Briggs, withdrew 1844. 
Before 1825 Rebecca Briggs, dead. 
Before 1825 Polly Brightman, dead. 
April 2, 1842 Judith A. Brown, dead. 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 49 

When received. 

Dec. 7, 1833 Adeline Allen Bullock. 
Before 1825 Rebecca Burt, dismissed with letter. 
July 2, 1842 David Butts. 
Dec. 3,1842 Lydia Butts, dead. 
Before 1825 Rebecca Butts, dead. 
July 2, 1842 Samuel Butts, withdrew 1843. 

1845 William Butts, died Sept. 1851. 
Before 1825 Hope Capron, died in faith. 
Dec. 7, 1833 Dilly Chace. 
Before 1825 Ezekiel Chace, dismissed with letter, received 

again May 7, 1831, dead. 
April, 1836 Frederick Chace. 
Before 1825 Hannah Chace, dead. 
April 2, 1842 Hannah W. Chace, deceased. 
Before 1825 John Chace, deceased. 
Aug. 6, 1825 Joseph Chace, dead. 
Before 1825 Lucy Chace, died in 1838. 
June 4, 1836 Lucy Chace, dead. » 

Before 1825 Lydia Chace, dismissed with letter, received 

again May 7, 1831, dead. 
Before 1825 Mary Chace, died Jan. 1834. 
April 16, 1842 Nathan Chace. 
Before 1825 Phebe Chace, dead. 
May I, 1830 Polly Chace, dead. 
Before 1825 Priscilla Chace, dismissed with letter. 
May 7, 1 83 1 Priscilla Chace, died Sept. 1834. 
April 16, 1842 Rhoda Chace, dismissed conditionally 1875. 
April 16, 1825 Sally Jones Chace. 
July 2, 1825 Susannah Chace. 
May 7, 1825 Polly Clark, removed Sept. 1825. 
April 2, 1825 Abiel D. Collins, withdrew Nov. 4. 1843. 
Before 1825 Alden Collins, withdrew Nov. 4, 1843. 
Dec. 7, 1833 Allen Collins, dead. 

March 5, 1825 Barnabas Collins, ordained April 25, 1838. 
Before 1825 Benjamin Collins, dead. 



ISO 



A SKETCH OF 



"Wheni 


received. 


June 


2, 


1838 


March 


5, 


1825 


Before 




1825 


Before 




1825 


Sept. 


4, 


1831 


April 


2, 


1825 


Before 




1825 


Feb. 


6, 


1829 


Before 




1825 


Before 




1825 


Before 




1825 


Aug. 


2, 


1834 


April ] 


[6, 


1825 


July 


I, 


1837 


Before 




1825 


May 


4, 


1833 


Before 




1825 


Before 




1825 


March 


5. 


1825 


Before 




1825 


Before 




1825 


Aug. 


I. 


1836 


April 


2, 


1825 


Before 




1825 


Sept. 


2, 


1826 


Before 




1825 


May 


7» 


1842 


July 


3, 


1830 


May 


I, 


1830 


April ] 


[6, 


1825 


April 


2, 


1825 


Before 




1825 


March 


19, 


1842 


June 


6, 


1840 



Brightman Collins, withdrew Sept. 7, 1844. 

Hannah Chace Collins, died in faith. 

Hope ColUns, died Jan. 1836. 

Lois Collins, died in faith Nov. 1842. 

Mary White Collins, dead. 

Nancy Collins, withdrew 1843. 

Olive Collins, died 1836. 

Rhoda Collins, dead. 

Richard Collins, 2d, deacon, deceased Dec. 25, 

1851. 
Sally Collins, dead. 
Silas Collins, dismissed with letter. 
Abiah Hathaway Cook. 

Clarissa Reynolds Cornell, dismissed with letter. 
Jacob Cornell, dead. 
Jemima Cornell, dismissed in 1832. 
Phebe A. Cornell. 

William Cornell, dismissed in 1832. 
Hannah Cottle, dead. 
Robert W. Cottle, withdrew Nov. 4, 1843. 
Sally Cottle, died Oct. 1855. 
Sarah Cottle, dead. 
Susan Cottle, withdrew Nov. 4, 1843. 
Thomas Cottle, withdrew 1837. 
Eliza Cowen, dead. 
Elizabeth Cowen, dead. 
Hope Cowen, dead. 
Leonard M. Cowen. 
Margaret Cowen. 
Mary Cowen, dead. 
Philip Cowen, dismissed Aug. 2, 1828. 
Wealthy Cowen. 

William Cowen, withdrew April 6, 1 843. 
Zenas Cowen, died 1853. 
Zenas B. Cowen, dismissed with letter. 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 151 

When received. 

Before 1825 Dorcas Crank, died in faith. 
Before 1825 Abiel Crapo, dismissed. 
Before 1825 Charles Crapo, dead. 
March 19, 1825 Joseph Crapo, removed. 
Before 1825 Peter Crapo, dead. 
Before 1825 Sally Crapo, dead. 

April 4, 1840 Sally A. Weaver Crapo, dismissed with letter. 
Sept. 2, 1837 Sarah Crapo. 
Before 1825 Susan Crapo, dead. 
Before 1825 Keturah Cummings, dead. 
Before 1825 Mary Cummings, dead. 
Before 1825 Abiel Davis, deacon, died strong in faith Sept. 

28, 1840. 
March 19, 1825 Clarissa Wordelle Davis, dead. 
July 7, 1838 Daniel Davis, dismissed June, 1842. • 
May 21, 1825 Fanny Chace Davis, removed. 
May I, 1830 Hannah Wordelle Davis. 
Before 1825 Hope Davis, died Sept. 1829. 
Sept. 3, 1825 Jonathan Davis, chosen deacon 1829, and clerk 

June 5, 1830, died March 28, 1851. 
Before 1825 Lovisa Davis, died in faith Jan. 5, 1835. 
Jan. 2, 1839 Lucy Thurston Davis, dead. 
Nov, 15, 1825 Perry Davis, elected deacon June 6, 1840, clerk 

April 8, 1852, dismissed with letter 1857. 
Before 1825 Polly Davis, dead. 
Nov. 15, 1825 Rachel Davis, dismissed with letter. 
Before 1825 Rebecca Russell Davis, dead. 
Before 1825 Ruth Davis, probably dead. 
June 5, 1830 Ruth Davis, dismissed with letter. 
April 2, 1825 Sally Wordelle Davis, dead. 
Before 1825 Else Dennis, died in faith Dec. 15, 1834. 
Nov. 15, 1825 Mahaly Dennis, dismissed with letter. 
Sept. 5, 1829 Peleg Dennis, dismissed with letter. 
Before 1825 Robert Dennis, died June, 185 1. 
Dec. 7, 1833 Sylvia Dennis, dead. 



152 A SKETCH OF 

When received. 

Before 1825 Anna Driscoll. 
Before 1825 Daniel Driscoll, dead. 
Before 1825 Betsey Durfee, dismissed with letter. 
Aug, 6, 1825 Mary Durfee, died 1836. 
Before 1825 Sarah Durfee, died in 1837. 
Before 1825 Betsey Edminster, dismissed with letter. 
Before 1825 Sally Eldridge, dead. 
April 2, 1825 Eliza Faunce. 
July 4, 1829 John Faunce. 
Before 1825 Patience Faunce, died in 1839. 
April 4, 1840 Samuel Faunce, dead. 
Before 1825 Sarah Faunce, dead. 
Before 1825 Thomas Faunce, died 1841. 
Before 1825 Betsey Fisher, dead. 
May 21, 1825 Isaac Fisher, died March, 1851. 
May 21, 1842 Howard Francis, withdrew April 6, 1843. 
Sept. 3, 1825 John Francis, dead. 
May 7, 1825 Lydia Francis, dead. 
July 7, 1838 Mercy Francis, died in faith. 
Before 1825 Nancy Francis, dead. 
April 4, 1840 Peace B. Francis, died Oct. 9, 1879. 
Sept. 2, 1826 Polly Francis, dead. 
Sept. 3, 1825 Rebecca Francis, dead. 
Before 1825 Sarah Francis, died 1838. 
July 2, 1825 William Francis. 
Jan. 2, 1839 George Freelove, jr. 
April 16, 1825 Lydia Freelove, dismissed Aug. 2, 1828. 
May 2, 1840 Benjamin Gififord, withdrew Nov. 4, 1843. 
April 16, 1825 Betsey Samson Gifford. 
Before 1825 Dinah Gifford, dismissed with letter 1831. 
Before 1825 Elizabeth Gifford, died in good standing. 
June 4, 1842 Emily Chace Gifford. 
Before 1825 George Gifford, dead. 
March 5, 1825 George Gifford, dismissed July, 1833. 
1826 Hannah Gifford, dead. 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 



153 



When 1 


•eceived. 


Before 




1825 


Before 




1825 


May 


7. 


1825 


April 


2, 


1842 


May 


I, 


,1830 


Before 




1825 


Aug. 


7. 


1830 


April 


16, 


1825 


Before 




1825 


Aug. 


6, 


1825 


Before 




1825 


Feb. 


6, 


1829 


May 


h 


1830 


Before 




1825 


Before 




1825 


Aug. 


4, 


1832 


July 


4, 


1829 


April 


2, 


1842 


July 


3, 


1830 

1845 


Nov. 


5. 


1836 


April 


16, 


1825 


Before 




1825 


Aug. 


I, 


1836 


Before 




1825 


Aug. 


6, 


1825 


March : 


19. 


1825 


Before 




1825 


April 


16, 


1825 


May 


7» 


1825 


Jan. 


2, 


1839 


May 


2, 


1840 


Before 




1825 


April 


4, 


1840 


Before 




1825 



Lewis Gifford, died Dec. 14, 1843. 

Luther Gififord, dead. 

Mary Gifford, withdrew Nov, 4, 1843. 

Mary Gifford. 

Nancy Gifford, dead. 

Peleg Gifford, dead. 

Rebecca Gifford, dead. 

Ruth Gififord, died in faith Sept. 1827. 

Sally Gififord, dismissed with letter 1S40. 

Sarah Gififord, dead. 

Susanna Gififord, died Oct. 5, 1833. 

Sylvia Gififord, died in faith. 

Virtue Gifford, dead. 

William Gifford, died 1838. 

William Gififord, 2d, dead. 

William Gifford, dead. 

Alice Mosher Goodnough, dismissed with letter. 

Benjamin Hart, dead. 

Ephraim Hart, dead. 

Rebecca Hart, died 1868. 

Lydia Haskell, dismissed 1842. 

Michael Haskell, dismissed March 2, 1833. 

Abiah Hathaway, dead. 

Charity Hathaway. 

Danforth Hathaway, died March 7, 1872. 

Hannah Hathaway. 

John Hathaway, dismissed 1836. 

Phebe Hathaway, dead. 

Roxellany Lee Hathaway, dead. 

Ruth Hathaway, removed. 

Thomas Hathaway, withdrew Sept. 7, 1844. 

Thomas S. Hathaway, withdrew Nov. 4, 1843. 

Lucy Heffords, dismissed with letter 1842. 

Amanda Hix, removed. 

Daniel Hix, Elder, died March 22, 183S. 



154 



A SKETCH OF 



When received. 

Sept. I, 1838 Jacob Hix, dismissed 186S. 
Before 1825 Mary Hix, died Sept. 28, 1837. 
May I, 1830 Prudy Hix. 
Aug. 7, 1830 Ruth Gifford Hix. 
Before 1825 Serapta Hix, dismissed with letter. 
Before 1825 Lydia Horton, dismissed with letter. 
July 2, 1825 Joanna Jones Hunt. 
July 3, 1830 Eliza Sherman Jennings. 
May 21, 1842 Benjamin W. Jones. 
Before 1825 Caleb Jones, dismissed with letter 1829. 
March 19, 1825 Charlotte Jones, removed. 
March 4, 1833 Eunice F. Jones, died in 1838. 
Jan. 5, 1833 Jeremiah Jones, dismissed with letter. 
April 2, 1825 John Jones, dead. 
Before 1825 Phebe Jones, died 1838. 
April 2, 1825 Ruth Jones, dead. 
Sept. 3, 1825 Sally Jones, dead. 
Before 1825 Zebedee Jones, dead. 
Before 1825 Sally Lawton, died Sept. i, 1S29. 
Feb. 4, 1837 Betsey Lee, dead. 
Dec. 4, 1836 Harriet Lee. 
Jan. 5, 1839 Philip Lee, dead. 
Before 1825 Polly Lee, joined the Shakers. 
April 2, 1825 Abigail Lincoln. 
Feb. 6, 1829 Content Lincoln, dead. 
Dec. 7, 1833 Louisa Lincoln, dead. 
May 21, 1825 Ralph Lincoln, dead. 
April 16, 1825 Almira Cowen Macomber, dead. 
Sept. 3, 1825 Levi Macomber, died July 5, 1830. 
Sept. 3,1825 Levi Macomber, jr., dismissed with letter. 
April 4, 1840 Lydia Macomber, dismissed with letter. 
Nov. 15, 1825 Orian Macomber, moved away. 
March 7, 1829 Peter Macomber, dead. 

Aug. 6, 1825 Ruby Francis Macomber, dismissed with letter. 
Nov. 15, 1825 Sally Dennis Macomber, dead. 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 155 

When received. 

March 5, 1825 Israel Martin, removed 1827. 
March 5, 1825 Jireh Martin, removed 1827. 
Before 1825 Noble Martin, removed. 
March 5, 1825 Roby Martin, removed 1828. 
March 5, 1825 Thankful Martin, removed 1828. 
April 2, 1825 Delila Snell Maxfield. 
April 16, 1825 Grace Maxfield, dismissed with letter. 
April 4, 1840 David Maxim, dead. 
Sept. 2, 1837 Ruth Merrick. 
Before 1825 Abigail Millard, dead. 
Dec. 5, 1833 Clarissa Millard, dead. 
Before 1825 John Millard, died Jan. 8, 1867. 
Dec. 5, 1833 Leonard Millard, dead. 
Before 1825 Polly Millard, died Jan. 31, 1834. 
Before 1825 Priscilla Millard, died May, 1842. 
March 19, 1842 Abraham B. Miller, died July 14, 1871. 
July 7, 1838 Gilbert Miller, deacon, elected clerk Sept. 3, 
1864. 

1842 Isaac M. Miller, died July 2, 1865. 

1825 Sarah Mingo, died in good standing. 

1836 Harriet Allen Mosher. 
1833 Rebecca Mosher, dead. 
1833 William Mosher. 

1837 Asa Nichols, dead. 
1825 Jesse W. Nichols, chosen clerk March 5, 1825, 

removed 1830, died April 30, 1880. 

1829 Polly Nichols, dead. 

1844 Sarah Niles, dead. 
Oct. 15, 1842 Chloe Pearce. 
June 21, 1826 Mary Pearce. 

Before 1825 Polly L. Peck, dismissed with letter in 1833. 
Before 1825 William Peck, died 1854. 
April 2, 1825 Lydia Peckham. 
June 18, 1842 William Peckham. 
May 4, 1833 Ann Peets, dead. 



June 


4, 


Before 




July 


2, 


June 


i» 


June 


I, 


Dec. 




Before 




March 


7> 


Nov. 


2, 



156 A SKETCH OF 

When received. 

April 2, 1825 Benjamin Peets, dead. 
April 2, 1842 Elias S. Phillips, dead. 
March 19, 1825 Mary Cottle Phillips, dead. 

1839 Abiathar Pool. 
April 16, 1842 Emily Reed Pool. 
June 18, 1842 Jacob Pool, died 1848. 
March 19, 1842 Lindsay Pool, dead. 
March 5, 1842 Mary Pool, dismissed with letter. 
June 6, 1840 Surbinas Pool, dismissed with letter 1857'. 
April 2, 1842 Abram Reed. 
May 7, 1842 Asa W. Reed. 

May 21, 1825 Henrietta Wordelle Reed, removed. 
June I, 1830 Jireh Reed, withdrew. 
Before 1825 John Reed, dismissed 1832. 
Before 1825 Lemuel Reed, died March 24, 1857. 
Before 1825 Mary Reed, dead. 
May I, 1830 Matilda Reed. 

Before 1825 Rebecca Reed, died in March, 1844. 
June 2, 1838 Rhoda Winslow Reed. 
April 16, 1825 Barbara Reynolds, dead. 
Jan. 4, 1837 Patience Reynolds, dead. 
June 18, 1842 Samson Reynolds, withdrew 1843. 
July 2, 1 83 1 Peace Wordelle Richmond, dismissed with let- 
ter. 
Before 1825 Mary Rider, dead. 
June 4, 1842 Abigail Rogers, dead. 
Before 1825 Azubia Rogers, dead. 
March 3, 1838 Elizabeth A. Rogers. 
Before 1825 Gideon Rogers, died 1837. 
Before 1825 Gideon Rogers, jr., dead. 
April 4, 1840 Lemuel T. Rogers, dead. 
Before 1825 Polly Rogers, dead. 
Before 1825 Sarah Rogers, died in good standing. 
March 19, 1842 John Russell, moved away. 
May 21, 1825 Margaret Russell, died 1834. 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 57 

When received. 

Jan, 5, 1833 Maria Russell. 
July 2, 1842 Mary Russell. 
April 7, 1832 Nancy Russell, dead. 
Before 1825 Paul Russell, dead. 
April 2, 1825 Sarah Russell, dead. 
Before 1825 Susan Russell, withdrew Sept. 7, 1844. 
Before 1825 Lillis Sabins, dead. 
Before 1825 Mary Gifford Sabins, dead. 
Oct. I, 1825 Olive Sabins, died Sept. 1830. 
Before 1825 Samuel Sabins, died Dec. 1847. 
Before 1825 Samuel Sabins, jr., died July, 1864. 
April 2, 1825 Abigail Sampson. 
March 4, 1833 George W. Samson. 
Before 1825 Jerusha Samson, dead. 
March 19, 1842 John Samson. 
Before 1825 Mary Samson, died 1835. 
Before 1825 Sarah Samson, dismissed 1832. 
Jan. 4, 1837 Sarah Samson, dead. 
June 3, 1826 Thomas Sanford, dismissed with letter. 
April 16, 1842 Phebe Ashley Shaw, dismissed with letter 1874. 
May I, 1830 Mary Davis Sherman, deceased. 
July 2, 1842 Humphrey A. Shockley, elected deacon Jan, 

16, 1858. 
July 3,1830 Patience Borden Short, dismissed with letter 

1848. 
April 16, 1842 Abraham Simmons. 
Dec. 7, 1833 Mary Allen Simmons. 
Aug. 6, 1825 Permelia Simmons. 
May 7, 1825 Lucy Smith, dead. 
Before 1825 Abiah T. Snell, dismissed with letter. 
June 2, 1838 Abigail W. Snell. 
May 2, 1840 Lydia Snell, dead. 
July 2, 1825 Olive Snell, dead. 
June 4, 1842 Sylvia A. Snell, dead. 
Oct. I, 1825 George Soule, dead. 



158 A SKETCH OF 

When received. 

May 4, 1833 Lydia Soule, dead. 

July 3, 1830 Nathaniel Soule, died in 1848. 

June 6, 1829 Mary Pearce Tabor. 
Before 1825 Phebe Tabor, dead. 

Aug. 6, 1825 Ruth Tabor, dead. 

Aug. 6, 1825 William Tabor, removed to Westport. 
Before 1825 Betsey Terry, dead. 
Before 1825 Dighton TeiTy, dead. 
Before 1825 Elizabeth Terry. 
Sept. 1837 Emmeline Samson Terry. 

March 19, 1842 Fannie W, Terry, removed. 

March 19, 1842 Isaac F. Terry, removed, 

Aug. 6, 1825 Joanna Thurston Terry, dead. 
Before 1825 Lydia Terry, dead. 
Before 1825 Olive Terry, died 1836. 

July 7, 1838 Silas Terry, dead. 

Sept. I, 1838 Adam Thurston, removed. 

July 4, 1840 Ebenezer Thurston, dismissed with letter. 

April 4, 1829 Nathaniel Thurston, dead. 

July 3, 1830 Ruth Thurston, dead. 

July 2, 1836 Benjamin T. Tripp, 

Before 1825 Howard Tripp, Elder, deceased April 20, 1872, 

Sept. 2, 1826 Job Tripp, dead. 

June 4, 1836 Mary Andrews Tripp, dismissed with letter. 
Before 1825 Mercy Tripp, dead. 

July 2, 1836 Mercy Tripp, dead. 
Before 1825 Patience Tripp, dead. 
Before 1825 Thankful Tripp, died Jan. 2, 1861. 
Before 1825 Timothy Tripp, went away. 
Dec. 1833 Bethuel- Turner, dismissed. 

March 5, 1842 Calvin K, Turner, 2d, died Nov. 17, 1879.* 

April 16, 1842 Caroline Reed Turner, dead. 

Nov. 5, 1836 Mary Turner, dead. 

May I, 1830 Olive Pool Weaver, removed. 

* Selectman of Dartmouth and representative several years. 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. I 59 

When received. 

Before 1825 Sarah Weaver, dead. 

Before 1825 Mercy West, died 1838. 

March 19, 1842 Hiram Whalon. 

June 4, 1836 Miriam Pool Whalon. 

Before 1825 Calvin Wheeler, withdrew July i, 1837. 

Before 1825 Delila Wheeler, dead. 

Jan. 5, 1833 Judith Andrews Whithead. 

March 19, 1842 Andrew T. Wilbur, dead. 

May 7, 1836 De Witt C. Wilbur. 

Feb. 4, 1837 Frederick P. Wilbur. 

May 21, 1842 Hannah Wilbur. 

May 7, 1842 Harriet Wilbur. 

Before 1825 Content Wilcox, probably dead. 

May 21, 1842 Samuel Wilkey, dead. 

March 5, 1842 Benjamin Wilson, removed. 

June 2, 1838 David Wilson, elected deacon 1840, withdrew 

Oct. 4, 1844. 
Before 1825 Edward Wilson, died May 2, 1866. 
March 5, 1825 Lovisa Wilson, withdrew Oct. 1844. 
Before 1825 Sophie Wing, probably dead. 
Aug. I, 1836 Abigail Winslow, dead. 
Before 1825 Ezra Winslow, withdrew Sept. 7, 1844. 
Before 1825 Jane Winslow, died 1838. 
Before 1825 Phebe Winslow, dead. 
Dec. 3, 1842 Phebe Winslow, dead. 
March 19, 1825 Susan Winslow, dismissed Nov. 1 837. 
Before 1825 Abraham Wordelle, dismissed Sept. I, 1 832. 
April 4, 1840 Abraham Wordelle, jr., removed. 
March 3, 1 838 Amy Rogers Wordelle, dead. 
April 16, 1825 Charles Wordelle. 
June 5, 1830 Clarinda Wordelle, dead. 
Nov. 15, 1825 Edmund Wordelle, dismissed with letter. 
June 6, 1838 Edmund Wordelle, 2d, dead. 
Before 1825 Elizabeth Wordelle, dead. 
Before 1825 Eunice Wordelle. 



l60 A SKETCH OF 

When received. 

May 7, 1825 Gershom Wordelle, dismissed with letter. 

Before 1825 Joshua Wordelle, dismissed with letter. 

Dec. 4, 1836 Leonard Wordelle, dismissed with letter. 

March 19, 1825 Lovisa Wordelle. 

May 7, 1842 Mary Turner Wordelle, died in faith 1878. 

April 4, 1840 Nancy Wordelle, removed. 

Before 1825 Pardon Wordelle, dismissed with letter 1841, 

April 2, 1825 Rachel Worcjelle, dead. 

April 2, 1825 Rebecca Wordelle, died in faith Aug. 1827. 

May 7, 1 83 1 Sylvia Wordelle, dismissed with letter. 

Dec. 7,1833 Eliza Wrightington, dead. 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. l6l 



CHAPTER VI. 

ADVENT MEETINGS; CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF THAT 
EXCITEMENT; THIRD CHURCH BUILT; ELDER 
TRIPP'S RESIGNATION; ELDER WILLIAM FAUNCE; 
NORTH WESTPORT CHURCH FORMED ; REVIVALS 
OF 1857-61; DIFFICULTIES; SKETCHES OF SUC- 
CESSIVE PASTORS; REVIVAL OF 1870 ; OBSTA- 
CLES; PRESENT CONDITION; LIST OF MEMBERS; 
RECORD OF MARRIAGES SOLEMNIZED BY ELDER 
HIX. 

The religious excitement of 1842-3 was not 
confined to Dartmouth, but extended over a 
wide district of country, and caused the extinc- 
tion of some churches. The leading doctrines 
then advanced are too well known to require 
any statement here, but the peculiarities of that 
work deserve notice in connection with the 
results of the meetings. The primary cause has 
been thought to have been the lectures of Will- 
iam Miller on the coming of Christ; his state- 
ments were taken as positive assurances, and 
many Christians speedily imagined themselves 
able to interpret the Bible on new principles 
and establish an infallible system of theology. 
Having his attention called to the prophecies 
glowing with eternal hopes, it is not surprising 



1 62 A SKETCH OF 

that the humble disciple, trusting to his teach- 
ers, was carried away with a magnetic enthusiasm 
which was mistaken for the Holy Spirit. In 
other words, one aspect of truth alone was con- 
sidered, while some preachers, mistaking emo- 
tion for piety, fanned the excitement to the 
utmost height. It was not a new phase of 
church history, but another illustration of human 
inability to comprehend the divine plans. That 
it was mischievous, none will deny; that it was 
wholly evil is not so apparent, for a new interest 
was given to Bible study, and the devout be- 
liever discovered truths before unseen. 

In September, 1842, a grove meeting Avas 
held at Myrick's, at which the doctrine of 
Christ's second coming was preached with great 
zeal. Some of the Dartmouth people attended, 
and soon after, James Taylor, Wesley Burnham 
and Timothy Cole began a protracted meeting 
at Hixville ; this was the last of October, 1842. 
The doctrine was new; many of the people 
were unprepared to discriminate between the 
truths of the Bible and the speculations of men ; 
in their opinion this was the midnight cry; 
Jesus was expected in April, 1843, ^^^ the 
excitement grew so intense that meetings were 
held almost night and day; even the necessary 
intermissions were spent by some in the groves 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 63 

praying so loudly that they were heard a mile 
away. The slaying power, as it was called, 
caused some to fall suddenly, and after a period 
of insensibility they were pronounced converted. 
Personal appeals were made in language that 
would not be endured to-day; prayers, hymns, 
and sermons on the prophecies were heard until 
nature was exhausted. It is said Elder Tripp 
preached once on the subject, but after consul- 
tation with Elder How concluded to hold him- 
self aloof from the excitement around him. 

Such a series of meetings affords a field for 
the moral philosopher. It is not clear that the 
preachers engaged foresaw the effect which 
followed, or that they realized the source of 
their own power. Psychology explains some 
of the phenomena, and charity requires that the 
deluded laity should have the credit of honesty. 
One effect of these meetings was to increase 
largely a sectarian spirit. Some of the mem- 
bers of the Dartmouth church refused to indorse 
the wild excitement; many others, disgusted 
with the unchristian spirit manifest in the dis- 
cussions, withdrew quietly, some never to re- 
turn ; still others, declaring the church to be 
Babylon, withdrew with excuses both frivolous 
and unreasonable. From the Fall of 1842 to 
1845, the discussions continued, in public and 



1 64 A SKETCH OF 

private. Some members, both old and young, 
remained firm. April 6, 1843, three persons 
were dismissed by request, and in November 
eleven more; in 1844, nine withdrew, and in 
March, 1845, another was dismissed by request 
for a similar reason. 

April, 1843, having passed, it was evident a 
mistake had been made ; another calculation 
fixed the date of Christ's coming in October, 
1844. This gave a new impulse to the excite- 
ment, which led some farmers to neglect har- 
vesting until late in the season. 

As might have been expected, after the ex- 
citement passed, a season of depression followed, 
and a dark, cold time succeeded for years. A 
few of the Advent people returned to the church 
long afterward, and some became interested in 
other societies. 

Looking from this distant date, it was the 
most serious event that ever befell the church. 
Spiritual growth was checked ; brotherly love, 
with the confidence so necessary in religious 
work, was sadly lessened, and a small band 
comparatively remained to represent the great 
revivals of former years. Not quite seventy 
remained in fellowship when the church record 
was revised, June 21, 1845, ^^^ some of these 
lived miles away. 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 65 

Elder Howard Tripp continued pastor from 
year to year, on a salary which allowed him but 
little time for pastoral oversight so necessary in 
most prosperous churches, and but few addi- 
tions to the church are recorded until 1857. 
Rebecca Driscoll, who died in 185 1, was a 
member in 1845. Nov. 6, 1845, Sarah A. Pool, 
now deceased, joined the church; Feb. 6, 1847, 
Ezekiel Chace, who died in September, 1849. 
There was some revival interest in the Winter 
of 1846-7; and April 4, 1847, Alfred Sabins 
and Eliza Sabins were received, both of whom 
were dismissed by request Nov. 7, 1874. After- 
wards Mary M. Phillips, now dead, and Mary 
E. Ellis, became members. The last named 
was dismissed with letter June 6, 1874. 

At the yearly meeting held March 6, 1847, 
the following church committee was chosen : 
Danforth Hathaway, Hiram Whalon, Jacob 
Pool, William Andrews, Samuel Sabins, 2d, 
Silas Terry, and John Faunce. 

Comparatively little interest was manifest in 
meetings for some time after this, and but 
little more could be done than to keep the 
church together. This was not the fault of the 
pastor or church officers, for certain conditions 
of success are necessary to build up a church 
or maintain a uniform usefulness. While many 
P 



l66 A SKETCH OF 

pleasant seasons of devotion were enjoyed at 
this period, yet society was not in a receptive 
state. As in the scientific and poHtical world, 
so with religious truth, there are seasons of 
upheaval and agitation, and after\vards comes a 
period of reflection, in which men learn the 
true relation of things. The Advent excite- 
ment was necessary to make prominent a great 
truth; it also served the purpose of compelling 
men to think of the questions connected with 
it. It was an upheaval of religious thought, 
and a benefit as it prevented many from sinking 
into a state of lethargy ; afterwards time was 
necessary to resolve order out of chaos and 
advance a higher standard of scriptural interpre- 
tation. The time mentioned above was not lost 
to the Dartmouth church, for a foundation was 
being laid for further successes in 1857. 

Feeling the need of better organization, the 
church was legally incorporated as a society in 
1849. In response to a petition from Jonathan 
Davis, Lemuel Reed, John Millard, Benjamin 
T. Tripp, Silas Terry, and Edward Wilson, to 
Hiram Whalon, Esq., a warrant was issued in 
due form, calling a meeting of the legal voters 
of the First Christian Church in Dartmouth, at 
their meeting-house, June 23, 1849. After 
organization, this meeting chose the following 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 6/ 

named persons to take care of the meeting- 
house, burying ground, and all the property 
of the church: Samuel Sabins, John Millard, 
Abraham A. Allen, Abraham Millard, and John 
Chace. It was voted that three of these con- 
stitute a quorum ; and arrangements were made 
to defray some necessary expense connected 
with repairing the line walls around the burying 
ground. 

April II, 1850, the church and society voted 
that Elder Howard Tripp be their pastor the 
current year, beginning March 25th; it was 
also voted that four contributions or collections 
be taken for his benefit. These amounted to 
$55 for the year. The yearly meetings have 
since been regularly held, and for several years 
the officers were nearly the same. Elder Tripp 
was also elected pastor each year until his 
resignation. His salary was sometimes raised 
by subscription, and he probably received less 
than $100 yearly. 

March 28, 1851, the church suffered a great 
loss in the death of Deacon Jonathan Davis. 
He was a man of good judgment and fervent 
piety, and faithful to his church and fellow- 
citizens; he held various offices of trust and 
honor, and died sincerely lamented, leaving the 
brightest evidences of a future immortality. 



l68 A SKETCH OF 

April 8, 1852, Deacon Perry Davis was 
chosen -clerk of the church. 

A special meeting of the church was called 
Aug. 20, 1853, which voted to build a new 
meeting-house; also ''voted that Humphrey A. 
Shockley, Leonard Millard, John Faunce, Gil- 
bert Miller and Howard Tripp be a building 
committee, and that this committee have power 
to dispose of the old house as they think 
proper." 

The present house was built by Frederick P. 
Wilbur in the Fall of 1853, and dedicated in 
February following. Several ministers were 
present at the dedication services ; Elder Moses 
How preached the sermon, and Elder A. G. 
Comings preached in the afternoon. The house 
is 34 by 44 feet, built in modern style, and 
presents a neat appearance. The next year a 
commodious shed was built adjoining the church. 

In the Spring of 1857 Elder Howard Tripp 
resigned the charge of the church. He was 
perhaps moved to this step partly by the want 
of interest ; and thinking some one else could do 
more good in his place, he took leave of his 
many friends as pastor of the church. The 
following letter was unanimously adopted by 
the church, and a copy presented to him, May 
2, 1857. 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 69 

To 'vhom these presents shall covie : 

Whereas, Elder Howard Tripp has been an able minister in 
the gospel field, influential in doing much good, faithful to his 
brethren and the cause of Christianity, beloved and esteemed 
by a large community with which he has been acquainted ; and 

Whereas, it is not expected that he will remain with us 
longer at the present time as a preacher : 

Therefore, at a church meeting at Hix's Meeting-house on 
Saturday, April 4, 1857, it was unanimously agreed as is written 
above, and as such we recommend him to the community and 
world at large. PERRY DAVIS, 

Church Clerk, * 



His resignation was deeply regretted by many. 
He had preached here occasionally before his 
ordination in 1824, and regularly since 1833, 
supplying one half the time for the first year, 
and then assuming full pastoral care. 

His successor, Elder William Faunce, was 
elected pastor at the yearly meeting held April 
16, 1857. ^^ ^^'^s a native of Plymouth, and 
being in the prime of life, he entered upon his 
work with a zeal that made success sure. Like 
most of our older preachers. Elder Faunce had 
struggled with many difficulties in early life, but 
possessing a good voice and a natural preach- 
ing talent, with the blessing of God, his labors 
were crowned with success. Being supported 
better than Elder Tripp had been, he began 
visiting, &c., and soon made many friends, be- 



170 A SKETCH OF 

sides getting acquainted with the condition of 
the society. Having engaged to preach in 
North Westport each sabbath afternoon, his 
time was fully occupied, and the religious pros- 
pect grew much brighter. In searching the 
early church records, many persons* names 
were found who did not attend meeting, and 
they were urged to resume their places in the 
church. Many of them did so, and at a subse- 
quent date a number of persons was restored to 
fellowship. 

There was an increased interest in the Sum- 
mer of 1857, and in the Fall a wave of revival 
interest reached Dartmouth and the meetings 
became highly interesting. Nov. 29, 1857, El- 
der Faunce baptized and gave the hand of fel- 
lowship to John M. Collins, Charles A. Cowen, 
Charles Peckham, Bethania B. Miller (died July 
15, 1 87 1,) Mary J. Reed, Lucy A. Mosher San- 
ford, Hannah C. Madison, Susan T. Millard 
(since deceased,) Dighton M. Terry, Sarah 
Reed, Elizabeth C. Anthony, and Maria G. 
Wilson. 

Having decided it best to form a church in 
North Westport, it was voted in December that 
the following named members be dismissed to 
organize it : Perry Davis, Ruth Davis, Joshua 
Wordelle, Peleg Dennis, Mahaly Dennis, Ed- 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 171 

mund Wordelle, Mary Sherman, Clarissa Blos- 
som, Lydia Macomber, Sarah Crapo, Gershom 
Wordelle, Sylvia Wordelle, Patience Barney, 
Rachel Davis, Mary Blossom. Though these 
members were sadly missed, the North West- 
port church was organized Dec. 21, 1857, and 
Elder Faunce preached there once each Sunday 
for several years. 

In January, 1858, Ruth Snell and John Rus- 
sell joined the Dartmouth church. 

Jan. 16, 1858, the church elected Humphrey 
A. Shockley and Gilbert Miller deacons, and 
they have since served in that capacity. The 
church committee this year were Gilbert Miller, 
Washington Whithead, and Abiathar Pool; 
female committee, Bethania Miller, Mary A. 
Wordelle, and Mary J. Reed ; treasurer, H. A. 
Shockley. A committee was also chosen to 
revise the church records. 

April 15, 1858, the yearly meeting voted that 
Abram Reed, H. A. Shockley and Elbridge 
Faunce be the committee on property; also re- 
elected Elder William Faunce pastor for the 
year. 

The committee on revising the church book 
reported the following named persons as mem- 
bers, whose names are not found in former hsts. 
Their names probably were not recorded when 



172 A SKETCH OF 

they joined. Mary Hathaway (deceased,) Han- 
nah Sherman (deceased,) Jeptha Ashley (de- 
ceased,) John Tripp (deceased,) James Tripp 
(deceased,) Sumner Faunce (removed,) Wash- 
ington Whithead (died Dec. 21, 1873.) 

The revival interest continued, and April ii, 
1858, the following named persons were bap- 
tized by Elder Faunce and joined the church: 
Daniel Lewis (now dead,) David Chace, Will- 
iam T. Faunce, Loam Faunce, Frederick Peck- 
ham, Elbridge Faunce, Cynthia Chace, Annie 
M. Faunce, Phebe S. Millard (dead,) Mary 
Faunce, Mary Peirce Sherman, Sarah J. Wor- 
delle Chace, Ellen Sabins (now dead,) Elizabeth 
Peckham Gifford. In June, 1858, Harvey B. 
Peirce (now deceased,) Samuel Cottle and Su- 
san Cottle were received; June 13, Angeline 
Hathaway (now dead,) Martha Reed, Ruth A. 
Ashley (dismissed with letter May 25, 1874,) 
Eliza Jones and David Wilkey were received as 
members. This revival was one of the most 
precious seasons ever enjoyed in North Dart- 
mouth. It also extended into Westport, and a 
number were baptized by Elder Faunce in 
Watuppa ponds at the Narrows, who joined the 
North Westport church. Meetings were crowd- 
ed on such occasions, and the power of the Holy 
Spirit was sensibly felt. The prosperity of the 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. I 73 

Hixville church seemed assured for several 
years. May 5, i860, Joan Wilbur joined the 
church; the next month Robert W. Cottle and 
Michael Russell became members. 

Jan. 12, 1 86 1, the yearly meeting of the church 
and society reelected Elder Faunce pastor, and 
in April William T. Faunce was chosen church 
clerk. The church at the last date elected as 
committee, Danforth Hathaway, Abraham A. 
Allen, Frederick P. Wilbur, Robert W. Cottle, 
and Loam Faunce ; female committee, Wealthy 
Cowen, Bethania B. Miller, and Mary J. Reed; 
treasurer, Abram Reed. But little change in 
church officers took place for several years. 

The meetings were generally interesting at 
this time, and in the Spring of 1861 another 
revival began. The church was in a good con- 
dition, when a protracted service was held by 
Elder Faunce, assisted by a Mr. Jones of North 
Carolina. The meetings were continued two 
weeks, and about twenty persons professed con- 
version, of whom a large proportion were Sun- 
day-school scholars. Without unnatural excite- 
ment, the services were sweetly tender and 
impressive, while conviction rested on the com- 
munity. May 10, Elder Faunce baptized Allen 
Booth (since deceased,) Betsey J. Allen, Daniel 
H. Allen, Hannah E. Faunce, Jesse Allen, Lu- 



174 A SKETCH OF 

cretia Faunce Weeks, Andrew Mosher (dismissed 
with letter,) Elizabeth Allen, Thomas Lee (died 
July 10, 1864, in military hospital, Washington, 
D. C.,) Franklin Duckworth (since deceased,) 
Harriet Wilbur, Ellen Macomber,Chloe Coombs, 
and Stephen M. Andrews. All these joined the 
church except the last named, who became a 
member of the First Christian Church in West- 
port. June 30, Keziah Booth, Sylvia Macom- 
ber, Henry B. Macomber, Philip Pool and Mary 
Reynolds were added to the church; Aug. 3, 
William Cowen (now dead,) Oct. 5, John Pratt 
and Sophia Allen were received. This was an 
interesting season ; the pastor's sermons were 
spiritual, converts were happy, and saints took 
courage. 

The last part of 1861, some cases of disci- 
pline occurred. Three members, two of whom 
had been officers in the church and Sunday 
school, becoming grieved by some proceedings 
of the church and personal difficulties, absented 
themselves from the meetings. They were 
called on to return and confess their faults with- 
out effect, and after some months they were dis- 
missed. This act of the church was a mistake, 
both in principle and policy. The principle of 
church government is love ; love is born of 
Christian experience, and is never needed so 



ELDER DANIEL HLX. 1 75 

much as in cases of discipline. Had all the in- 
terested parties realized their privileges, they 
would have submitted their grievances to arbi- 
tration, or applied Matt. V, 23, 24, in a spirit of 
meekness. It was also a mistake of policy. 
When labor Is undertaken, the object of reform 
should be kept in view, and if persuasion fails, it 
is better to wait until the church is a unit before 
a vote of dismission is taken. The members 
referred to were afterwards restored by vote of 
the church. 

For several years after this, but little revival 
interest was enjoyed, and but little can be said 
of the union or spirituality of the church. John 
Sadler joined the church in January, 1863; 
Dec. 5 the same year, James Whiteside and 
Martha Whiteside became members; April 2, 
1864, Jonathan Peirce, Sarah Peirce and David 
Petty were received as members from W'estport. 

During 1863, committees were called on to 
settle difficulties, but with little effect, for many 
had backslidden. Discipline is practicable when 
the church is spiritually alive, but almost im- 
possible when the membership is so conser\^a- 
tive that no change is wanted. The few are 
compelled to bear the burdens of the many, 
and forms of discipline without the spirit are 
seldom beneficial. The church, if anything, is 



1/6 A SKETCH OF 

a help to personal righteousness ; at the best it 
is a moral school, and furnishes appliances for 
learning religious truths. Its privileges may be 
misused or neglected, but truth remains the 
same ; men alone are the sufferers. If a church 
neglects to maintain a high standard of piety, 
its influence is small ; if it is progressive, it will 
attract men by the force of love, and compel 
the respect of the community. Gossip and 
slander, with all the elements of depraved hu- 
manity, will be manifest as long as churches are 
needed ; but with the Bible for a guide, no be- 
liever need fear the malice of wicked men, and 
the best reply to much so-called persecution is 
silent pity. Never should principle be set aside 
for policy, but the Christian is required to allay 
prejudices and jealousy by a tender, loving de- 
portment. Great care, too, should be taken 
that unity of spirit be maintained among breth- 
ren. This does not indicate weakness, but is 
rather a sign of strength. 

The church and society reelected Elder Faunce 
pastor in 1864, but finding obstacles to his suc- 
cess increasing, he resigned after a short time, 
leaving the pulpit to be supplied until Fall, when 
Elder F. P. Snow became pastor of the church. 
Elder Snow was born in Rochester in 1812. 
His early privileges of education were limited 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 77 

to the common school, but being of a thought- 
ful mind, he sought the society of intelligent 
Christians, which doubtless helped form his 
character. He early learned the business of 
cabinet-making and upholstery, which he has 
pursued most of his life. He received a letter 
of recommendation from the Rhode Island and 
Massachusetts Christian Conference, when it 
was dissolved, dated Taunton, Mass., Sept. 12, 
1843, but since has never been a member of 
any conference. He was ordained in New Bed- 
ford, Dec. 28, 1845, by Elders Charles Mor- 
gridge, Thomas Dawes, F. G. Brown and L. D. 
Johnson, and has since labored as pastor in 
Massachusetts and Rhode Island much of the 
time. He removed to Hixville in the Fall of 
1864, and remained pastor one and a half years. 
His gift proved what was needed, in soothing 
the agitated church and affording time for hard 
feelings and prejudices to subside. One old 
man, not interested in meetings, sent him a load 
of wood, saying he gave it to the minister for 
minding his own business. 

In 1865, Elder Snow baptized and received 
Phebe Akins into the church. She was dis- 
missed with letter June 4, 1873. 

The yearly meeting held April 5, 1866, chose 
for officers: Jonathan Peirce, Abiathar Pool, 

Q 



178 A SKETCH OF 

Hiram Whalon, Gilbert Miller and Benjamin T. 
Tripp, committee ; and Abram Reed, treasurer. 
Gilbert Miller has been elected clerk each year 
up to the present time. 

Rev. Gideon W. Tripp was the next pastor, 
from the Spring of 1866 to 1868. He was the 
son of Luthan and Lydia Tripp, born in West- 
port, Sept. 4, 1805. He was converted April 
28, 1833, baptized by Elder Howard Tripp, and 
joined the First Christian Church in VVestport. 
With only a common school education, he be- 
gan preaching Dec. 1842. He was blessed 
with much revival interest, and was ordained 
some three years afterward. A farmer by oc- 
cupation, yet down to the time of his death he 
was pastor of churches most of the time in 
Westport, except two years in Rochester. Of 
a genial, social disposition, his sabbath-school 
work at Hixville was very successful, and there 
was some revival interest in 1867. 

Sept. 7, 1867, the church voted to join the 
Rhode Island and Massachusetts Christian Con- 
ference. 

Sept. 8, 1867, Elder Tripp baptized and re- 
ceived into the church Priscilla M. Chace, Ruth 
Pool (afterwards dismissed with letter,) and 
Ruth A. Andrews. 



ELDER DANIEL HLX. I 79 

In Elder Tripp's pastoral work, few could help 
feeling the power of love manifest in his life, 
and he returned to his farm sincerely regretted. 
He died very suddenly, Dec. 13, 1879. 

For three months in the Spring of 1868, Rev. 
Mr. Tyler of Freetown supplied the pulpit, after 
which Rev. E. Hawes of New Bedford was pas- 
tor until December. Mr. Hawes was born in 
New Bedford, June 16, 1805, and began to 
preach in 1840. He saw some revival interest 
at home among the colored people, and baptized 
forty the first year. The next year he went to 
Carver, where he baptized about the same num- 
ber. Being a sailmaker by trade, he did not 
devote his whole time to preaching, and in later 
years has suffered much sickness. After leav- 
ing Hixville, he returned home to New Bedford, 
where he labors in the temperance reform, &c., 
as his health permits. He is a member of the 
North Christian Church in New Bedford, and is 
strongly attached to the principles of the de- 
nomination. 

Sept. 8, 1868, Philip Cowen and Susanna 
Cowen were received as church members ; they 
were afterwards dismissed to join another church. 

Dec. 27, 1868, Warren S. Emery was elected 
pastor of the Hixville church. He is a native 
of New Hampshire, and a graduate of the New 



l80 A SKETCH OF 

Hampton Institute. After some successful work 
in New Bedford, he came to Dartmouth, with a 
strong faith, which soon made him popular and 
successful. Meetings w^ere held in different lo- 
calities, courage took the place of doubt, and 
in the Fall of 1869 a number of converts was 
waiting for baptism. Oct. 2, 1869, at a church 
meeting, it was unanimously voted to set apart 
and ordain Warren S. Emery to the work of the 
gospel ministry. Accordingly a council was 
called by the church, Oct. 14, consisting of Rev. 
R. B. Eldridge, Howard Tripp, S. W. Butler, F. 
P. Snow, and S. M. Andrews, who proceeded to 
examine the candidate, and voted unanimously 
to ordain him. This was done the same day at 
the church ; sermon by S. W. Butler, ordination 
prayer by Howard Tripp, hand of fellowship 
by S. M. Andrews, and charge to the candidate 
by F. P. Snow. 

Jan. I, 1870, ice was broken, and D. Orville 
Andrews (since joined a Methodist Episcopal 
church,) Cynthia F. Andrews, Elizabeth Jones, 
Benjamin Jones, 2d (since joined a Methodist 
Episcopal church,) George S. Crocker and 
Carrie E. Brownell were baptized and received 
into the church ; and Thomas Cottle (dismissed 
by request Aug. 4, 1877,) and Mr. Emery, the 
pastor, were at the same time received as mem- 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. l8l 

bers of the church. Jane M. Hart was received 
soon after. 

A few months of prosperity followed, when a 
new difficulty arose in the church. The com- 
mittee tried to settle the matter in vain, and it 
finally terminated in a law-suit. 

In the Spring of 1871, Elder Emery, finding 
himself unable to secure peace, resigned ; he 
has since joined the Baptist denomination. 

The pulpit was supplied through the Summer 
by various ministers until November, when S. 
M. Andrews became pastor. The circumstances 
of the church at this time were such that the 
pastor could only preach experimental piety 
and remove roots of bitterness as far as possible. 

May 4, 1872, two persons were baptized, one 
of w^hom, Hannah W. Andrews, joined the 
church. June i, three more went forward in 
baptism, of whom only one, E. Frank Peck- 
ham, became a member. 

April 20, 1872, the long and useful life of 
Elder Howard Tripp came to a close. After 
eighty-two years five months, he could say, " I 
have been preparing nearly all my life for this 
time." He survived his wife eleven years, and 
most of the time was spent in visiting different 
churches, occasionally staying a while with some 
of his children. He died with liver complaint 



l82 A SKETCH OF 

in New Bedford at the home of his son John M. 
Tripp ; he suffered much, but the Savior's hand 
sustained him, and he peacefully rests from his 
labors and his works do follow him. His fu- 
neral services were held at the Head of Westport 
River, and were conducted by Rev. B. S. Batch- 
elor, April 25, 1872. 

In April, 1873, Rev. Ephraim Burroughs was 
chosen pastor of the Hixville church, which 
position he filled two years. Mr. Burroughs 
was born in Westport, Sept. 17, 1828. His 
early school advantages were limited. On re- 
moving to New Bedford in 1846, he maintained 
habits of morality but did not attend meetings ; 
though often convicted of sin, he neglected 
Christ until March, 1849, when he found peace 
in believing. Three months after, he was bap- 
tized by Elder James Taylor, and joined the 
Middle Street Christian Church in New Bedford. 
Sept. 30, 1858, he preached his first sermon, 
and since has labored in New Bedford, Dart- 
mouth, Westport, and East Freetown. He was 
ordained, Nov 16, 1869, by B. S. Batchelor, N. 
S. Chadwick, A. G. Morton, and I. H. Coe. 
His character is that of an honest, hard-working 
gospel preacher; plain and unpretending in his 
manners, he is admirably adapted to the work 
he is doing. 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 83 

At the time he became pastor at Hixville, the 
church was in a divided state ; he went to work 
however with energy, and during a period of 
revival interest baptized six persons, of whom 
some have since joined the church. 

The fact of conversions without additions to 
the church is significant. Converts, Hke chil- 
dren, are susceptible to all influences, and when 
a church is what it should be they are attracted 
to it; if the church is backslidden they are as 
surely repelled. Churches are not made, they 
must grow; and just in proportion as gospel 
life and love are manifest, to that extent they will 
incorporate all the pious elements of the com- 
munity. It is of the utmost importance that 
Christians realize their responsibility in this re- 
spect, and make the church the most peaceful 
and home-like place on earth. 

During the Summer and Fall of 1875, Dr. A. 
M. Higgins and some others supplied the pul- 
pit, and the next year Rev. Ansel Bourne, from 
Shelby, Orleans county, N. Y., preached here 
several months. Considerable interest was man- 
ifest, and he enjoyed one season of baptism. 
May 6, 1876, Susan Collins joined the church; 
and later, Lucinda Phillips, John F. Mosher, 
Addie F. Mosher and H. Eudora Andrews were 
received. 



1 84 A SKETCH OF 

Since 1877 the church has been supplied by- 
different ministers, most of the time by S. M. 
Andrews, who has attended church meetings, 
communion seasons, &c., as far as other engage- 
ments permitted. 

Four members were received in 1879: May 
17, Emma T. Sanford ; August 2, L. Franklin 
Chase and Susie Andrews Chase ; at the No- 
vember church meeting, Bessie Whithead Wil- 
bur was received by letter from the Allen Street 
Methodist Episcopal church in New Bedford. 

At the annual meeting, held Fast-day, 1879, 
the following officers were chosen : committee 
on property, Abram Reed, Abiathar Pool,' and 
H. A. Shockley ; treasurer, Abram Reed ; church 
committee, Abiathar Pool, Gilbert Miller, Abram 
Reed, H. A. Shockley, and Jonathan Peirce ; 
female committee, Harriet Lee, Miriam Whalon, 
Sarah Peirce, and Joan Wilbur. 

The year 1879 has been marked by a grow- 
ing sense of our needs as a church, while the 
additions have encouraged the older members 
to work for a larger success in the near future ; 
the meetings have been maintained regularly, 
and in December some revival interest was en- 
joyed under the labors of Rev. G. W. Kennedy. 
At the present time the church enjoys more 
harmony than for many years past, and if indi- 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 85 

cations of good now visible are realized, the 
coming year will bring an increased spiritual 
growth. 

At the church meeting of Nov. i, 1879, Hi- 
ram Whalon, Esq., was chosen to aid in pre- 
paring the church records for publication. 

A church meeting was called Jan. 24, 1880, 
when it was voted that the executive committee 
be a committee to make arrangements for the 
centennial services, to be held May 21, 1880. 

It is fitting that the anniversary of such a 
church be set apart as a day of meditation, 
prayer, and praise ; it will recall the labors and 
successes of our ancestors, while a review of 
what has been accomplished will inspire our 
hearts with zeal, enabling the church to continue 
its work until its members are gathered into the 
heavenly city to go no more out forever. 

During the last twenty years, quite a number 
of the members of the First Christian Church 
in Dartmouth have died or been dismissed, 
and the following named persons now comprise 
its membership. May i, 1880. 

Betsey J. Allen, Cynthia F. Andrews, 

Daniel H. Allen, H, Eudora Andrews, 

Elizabeth Allen, Hannah Andrews, 

Jesse Allen, Hannah W. Andrews, 

Sophia Allen, Ruth A, Andrews, 



1 86 



A SKETCH OF 



Elizabeth Anthony, 
Phebe A. Ashley, 
Rachel C. Ashley, 
Sybil Ashley, 
Elizabeth A. Ball, 
Barnabas Blossom, 
Sarah M. Blossom, 
Keziah Booth, 
Lucy Davis Borden, 
Eliza A. Briggs, 
Polly Briggs, 
Carrie E. Brownell, 
Adeline Allen Bullock, 
David Butts, 
Cynthia Chace, 
David Chace, 
Dilly Chace, 
Frederick Chace, 
Nathan Chace, 
Sarah J. Wordell Chace, 
Susanah Chace, 
L. Franklin Chase, 
Priscilla M. Chase, 
Susie Andrews Chase, 
Elder Barnabas Collins, 
John M. Collins, 
Susan Collins. 
Abia Hathaway Cooke, 
Chloe Coombs, 
Phebe A. Cornell, 
Robert W. Cottle, 
Samuel Cottle, 
Susan Cottle, 
Leonard M. Co wen, 
INIargaret Cowen, 
Wealthy Cowen, 



George S. Crocker, 

Hannah Wordelle Davis, 

Anna Driscol, 

Annie M. Faunce, 

Elbridge Faunce, 

Eliza Faunce, 

Hannah E. Faunce, 

John Faunce, 

Louam Faunce, 

Mary Faunce, 

Sally Francis, 

William Francis, 

George Freelove, 
Betsey Samson Gifford, 
Elizabeth Peckham Gififord, 
Jane M. Hart, 

Charity Hathaway, 

Hannah Hathaway, 
Prudy Hix, 
Ruth Gifford Hix, 
Joanna Jones Hunt, 
Eliza Sherman Jennings, 
Benjamin W. Jones, 
Eliza Jones, 
Elizabeth Jones, 
Mary Giftbrd Jones, 
Harriet Lee, 
Abigail Lincoln, 
Ellen Macomber, 
Henry B. Macomber, 
Josephine Macomber, 
Sylvia Macomber, 
Hannah Madison, 
Delila Snell Maxfield, 
Ruth Merrick, 
Deacon Gilbert Miller, 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 



87 



Addie F. Mosher, 
Harriet Allen Mosher, 
John F. Mosher, 
William Mosher, 
Charles Peckham, 
E. Frank Peckham, 
Frederick Peckham, 
Lydia Peckham, 
William Peckham, 
Chloe Peirce, 
Jonathan Peirce, 
Sarah Peirce, 
David Petty, 
Lucinda Phillips, 
Abiathar Pool, 
Emily A. Pool, 
Philip Pool, 
Emily Gifford Potter, 
Abram Reed, 
Asa W. Reed, 
Martha Reed, 
Mary J. Reed, 
Matilda Reed, 
Rhoda Reed, 
Sarah Reed, 
Mary Reynolds, 
Maria Russell, 
Mary Russell, 
Michael Russell, 
John Sadler, 
Abigail Sampson, 
George W. Sampson, 
John Sampson, 



Emma T. Sanford, 

Lucy Mosher Sanford, 

Clara Sampson Sherman, 

Mary Peirce Sherman, 

Deacon Humphrey A. Shockley, 

Abram Simmons, 

Mary Simmons, 

Permelia Simmons, 

Abigail Snell, 

Ruth Snell, 

Mary Peirce Tabor, 

Dighton M. Terry, 

Elizabeth Terry, 

Emeline Sampson Terry, 

Benjamin T. Tripp, 

Sarah Crapo Tripp, 

Lucretia Faunce Weeks, 

Hiram Whalon, 

Miriam Whalon, 

Martha Whiteside, 

Judith Whithead, 

De Witt C. Wilbour, 

Bessie Whithead Wilbur, 

Frederick P. Wilbur, 

Hannah Wilbur, 

Harriet Wilbur, 

Joan Wilbur, 

Maria G. Wilson, 

Ellen Faunce Winslow, 

Charles Wordelle, 

Eunice Wordelle, 

Lovisa Wordelle. 



I 88 A SKETCH OF 

The following are the marriages solemnized 
by Elder Daniel Hix. Where the parties be- 
long in other towns, it is stated ; otherwise the 
persons named lived in Dartmouth. 

Sept. 6, 1 781 Ira Phillips to Sarah Collins. 

Oct. 5,1781 Ichabod Davis of Freetown to Barbara Soule. 

Nov. 18,1781 Samuel Grinnell of Little Compton and Sarah 
Woodniansea. 

Nov. 29,1781 Stoten Booth and Amea Allen. 

Dec. 13, 1781 Lemuel Borden of Freetown and Sarah Reed. 

Dec. 16, 1 781 Bristol Peck to Elizabeth Edwards, (colored.) 

Feb. 26, 1782 David Bullock to Phebe Pearce. 

June 23, 1782 Mingo Dice and Sarah Cuff, (colored.) 

Oct. 6, 1 782 Ezekiel Chace to Lydia Wilbour. 

Dec. I, 1782 Jonathan Anthony to Sarah Chace. 

Dec. 12, 1782 Gershom Wordelle of Tiverton to Sarah Handy. 

Dec. 12, 1782 Simeon Clark of Freetown and Sarah Allen. 

Jan. 22, 1783 Abraham Ashley and Hannah Crapo, both of 
Freetown. 

March 27, 1783 Shadrach Horskins and Mary Rider. 

Oct. 19, 1783 James Gifford to Elizabeth Chace. 

Dec. 18, 1783 Nathaniel Gifford and Desier Mitchel. 

Dec. 22, 1783 David Winslow of Freetown and Betty Kithel. 

March 18, 1784 John Bosworth and Rosanan Blackemore. 

May 9, 1784 Stephen Beden to Ruth Sherman. 

June 24, 1784 Asel Nap, to Sarah Freelove of Freetown. 

Aug. 12, 1784 Henry Bedent, to Thankful Freelove of Free- 
town. 

Dec. 19, 1784 Comfort Bullock of Rehoboth to Sibbil Pearce. 

April 6, 1784 Alexander Mason of Freetown to Lydia Chace. 

April 14, 1785 Henry Wilbour, to Deborah Freelove of Free- 
town. 

July 10, 1785 Barzaleel Worshburn to Patience Lollard. 

Dec. 7, 1 785 Stephen Gifford to Esther Boomer. 



ELDER DANIEL IIIX. 1 89 

Jan. I, 1786 Tucker Tabor and Submit Booth. 

July 30, 1786 Abner Devoll to Lydia Milk. 

Aug. 20, 1786 Benjamin Smith to Thankful Gifford. 

Aug. 20, 1786 Jonathan Gififord and Johanna Handy. 

Oct. 12, 1786 Canaan Crocker of Tiverton to Sarah Petty. 

Oct. 19, 1786 Samuel Shearman and Constant Wodel. 

Dec. 24, 1786 Deliverance Bennett and Mercy Phillips. 

Dec. 31, 1786 John Read and Mary Wilbour. 

Jan. 14, 1787 Stephen Rogers to Sarah Petty. 

Jan. 14, 1787 Elijah W. Reed of Middleborough and Susanna 

Bedon. 
Feb. 23, 1787 Edward Sherman and Sarah Grinnell. 
March 2, 1 787 Lemuel Burden and Mary Gififord. 
April 5, 1787 Jacob Amos and Meribah Cornell. 
Aug. 23, 1787 Lemuel Reed and Rebecca Mosher. 
Oct. II, 1787 John Winslow to Elizabeth Chandler. 
Nov. 4, 1787 Jonathan Oman and Remembrance Gifford, 

both of New Bedford. 
Nov. 22, 1787 Benjamin Boomer to Mary Collins, 
Feb. 3, 1788 William Russell to Mary Cook. 
May 22, 1788 Job Case and Susanna Jenne. 
May 28, 1788 John Cornell and Chloe Mosher. 
July 6, 1 788 James Pearce of Swanzey and Rebecca Mott. 
July 17, 1788 James Baker of Rehoboth and Roby Cornell. 
July 24, 1 788 David Petty and Temima Bedon. 
Sept. 28, 1788 Ebenezer Akin and Chloe Hathaway. 
Nov. 9, 1 788 Philip Cummins of Freetown and Keturah 

Booth. 
Dec. 4, 1788 Samuel Shearman of Westport and Parnol 

Russell. 

1788 Robert Demoranville and Sarah Chase. 

1789 Thomas Amos of Freetown and Patience Jen- 
nings of Westport. 

1789 Benjamin Babcock and Mary Potter. 
26, 1789 John Gelatte and Keziah Mosher. 
1 789 Joshua Cowen and Mary Andrews. 

R 



Dec. 


II. 


Jan. 


2, 


Feb. 


10, 


Feb. 


26, 


April 


22, 



190 A SKETCH OF 

May 21, 1789 Anthony Booth to Jemima Blackman. 
June 10, 1790 Joseph Wheaton and Zilva Woodmansea. 
Aug. 21, 1789 William Spooner of Middleborough to Abigail 

Bennett. 
Sept. 6, 1 789 Benjamin Gifford and Judith Andrews. 
Nov. 8, 1789 Nicholas Davis and Hope Hathaway. 
Dec. 21, 1789 Reuben Smith and Lois Shearman. 
Dec. 31, 1789 William Reed and Mary Blackemore. 
Jan. 7, 1790 Stephen Russell and Susanna Burgess. 
Jan. 14, 1790 Jeremiah Devoll and Meriah Tripp, both of 

Westport. 
Feb. 18, 1790 Amos Braley and Lucy Morton, both of Free- 
town. 
Feb. 28, 1790 Philip Chace and Experience White, both of 

Freetown. 
March i, 1790 Josiah Brown and Philena Rounciful. 
March i8, 1790 Joseph Allen and Priscilla Lawton. 
April 18, 1790 Edmond Davis of Westport to Sarah Waite. 
June 10, 1790 Reuben Shearman and Charity Mosher. 
Sept. 2, 1790 Philip Allen and Mercy Perce. 
Oct. 1 7, 1 790 Edward Chace and Permelia Durfee. 
Jan. 13, 1 79 1 Elnathan Coombs and Martha Wilkey. 
Jan. 30,1791 William Clark of Middleborough and Patience 

Howland of Freetown* 
Jan. 30, 1 791 Richard Easterbrooks and Hannah Fuller, both 

of Freetown. 
Feb. 17, 1 791 William Gifford, jr., of Tiverton, and Elizabeth 

Boomer of Westport. 
Feb. 17, 1 79 1 John Jencks of Tiverton to Elizabeth Davis of 

Freetown. 
March 2, 1791 Peleg Durfee and Priscilla Johnson, both of 

Freetown. 
March 3, 1791 Daniel Boomer of Freetown and Ruth Perkins 

of Westport. 
March 20, 1 791 John Baker and Mary Soule, both of Freetown. 
March 20, 1791 Elijah Mosher to Joanna Andrews. 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 191 

June 9. 1791 Daniel Tripp, jr., of Westport, and Hannah 

Tripp. 
July 3>I79I William Braley to Thankful Braley, both of 

Freetown. 
July 17, 1 79 1 Isaac Fisher to Elizabeth Allen. 
Nov. 27, 1 79 1 Seth French to Anna Andrews. 
Dec. 25, 1 79 1 James Peckham to Elizabeth Smith. 
Jan. I, 1792 James Mosher to Elizabeth Rider. 
Jan. I, 1792 Jeremiah Chandler to Eliz<ibeth Cummins. 
Jan. 29, 1 792 Samuel Holmes and Permelia Andrews. 
March 15, 1792 Charles Shearman to Lois Tabor. 
March 26, 1792 Elihu Coffin of Sherburne and Deborah Myrick. 
April 22, 1792 John Rogers and Lucy Fisher. 
. May 13, 1792 Abner Tripp and Bethia Shearman. 
June 26,1792 Jonathan Demoranville, and Elizabeth Booth 

of Middleborough. 
June 28, 1792 Stephen Gifford of Westport and Margeret 

James of Tiverton. 
Aug. 20, 1792 Zebedee Tallman to Sarah Winslow. 
Jan. 3, 1793 Robert Tripp of Tiverton and Jane Freelove of 

Freetown. 
Jan. 24, 1793 Reuben Devoll and Elizabeth Tripp, both of 

Westport. 
April 7, 1793 Alexander Burdin and Widow Mary Hathaway. 
April II, 1793 Amos Cornell to Susanna Bennett. 

21, 1793 James Upham and Sally Morrison. 

Aug. II, 1793 Jacob Wilbour and Hannah Blackmon. 

Oct. 13, 1793 David Craw and Hannah Pool. 

Nov. 7, 1793 John Mirick Miller of Freetown and Mary Jones. 

Zephaniah Jones of Freetown and Ruth Mosher. 

July 1 7, 1 794 Thomas Spooner of New Bedford and Prudence 

Phillips. 
July 27, 1794 Gershom Wordel, jr., of Tiverton, to Peace 

Burdin of Westport. 
Oct. 12, 1794 David Sherman and Elizabeth Russell. 
Oct. 19, 1794 Nathan Chase and Susanna Macomber. 



192 A SKETCH OF 

Dec. 14, 1794 Hezekiah Wilbour, and Desire Swift of New 
Bedford. 

Dec. 18, 1794 Joseph Luther of Swanzey and Anna Bennett. 

Feb. I, 1795 Shubel Terry of Freetown and Reliance Hath- 
away. 

Feb. 26, 1795 Jeremiah Buffinton to Bathsheba Washburn. 

Feb. 20,1795 Pardon Shearman to Sabra Grinnell. 

March 22, 1795 Ebenezer Samson of Freetown and Mary 
Brown. 

June 4, 1795 Isaac Tripp of Westport and Mary Chase. 

July 14,1795 Prince Hathaway and Ruby Bennett, both of 
New Bedford. 

July 19, 1795 Isaiah Peckham and Rhoda Woodmansea. 

Oct. 4, 1 795 Henry Freelove and Phebe Mosher. 

Oct. 15,1795 Isaac Mosher of Westport and Bethania Mosher. 

Nov. 8, 1 795 Wilson Mosher and Sylvia Davis. 

Nov. 20, 1 795 Samuel Rider, to Keziah Tripp of Westport. 

April 3, 1 796 Job Shearman, and Elizabeth Shearman of 
Tiverton. 

June 12, 1796 Samuel Wilkey and Huldah Collins. 

Sept. 4, 1796 Abishai Cowen and Jemima Baker. 

Sept. 15, 1796 William Davis of Long Island and Jane Allen. 

Dec. 25, 1 796 Isaac Boomer of Freetown and Eady Waite of 
Westport. 

March 5, 1797 Simeon Chase, jr., to Robe Washburn. 

Nov. 12, 1797 Henry Rider to Mary Chandler. 
23, 1797 John Rider and Rebecca Chase. 
1797 Isaac Shearman and Alice Grinnell. 

1797 William Cornell and Jemima Marthers. 

1 798 Avei-y Tobey and Betsey Harvey, both of New 
Bedford. 

1798 Abner Mosher and Anna Petty. 
1798 Rowland Rider and Elizabeth Chase. 
1798 John Chase and Hannah Rider. 
1798 Ebenezer White of Freetown to Phebe Fisher. 
Nov. I, 1798 George Wilkey to Mehitable Cook. 



Nov. 


^Zf 


Dec. 


17. 


Dec. 


28, 


Jan. 


14, 


March 22, 


June 


14, 


Sept. 


20, 


Oct. 


25» 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. I93 

Dec. 9, 1798 Weaver Potter, and Content Drew of New Bed- 
ford. 

Dec. 16, 1798 William Hathaway of New Bedford and Eliza- 
beth Smith. 

Dec. 27, 1798 Reuben Mosher of Westport to Sarah Gifford. 

Jan. 3, 1 799 Tabor Ashley of Freetown and Nancy Phillips. 

Jan. 6, 1799 Preserved Chase and Rhoda Rogers. 

Jan. 13, 1799 Jonathan Haskins to Sarah Chandler. 

Sept. 8,1799 Luther Gifford and Ruth Manchester, both of 
Westport. 

Sept. 19, 1799 Allen Chase and Deborah Buffinton. 

Sept. 26, 1799 Lewis Gifford and Susanna Allen. 

Nov. 7, 1799 Thomas Williams and Anna Winslow. 

March 23, 1800 Joseph Briggs and Rebecca Babcock. 

Dec. 18, 1800 Nathan Francis and Sarah Cowen. 

Jan. 1, 1 80 1 Mason Davis of Westport and Hannah Palmer. 

March i, 1801 Noah Allen and Mercy Perce. 

March 5, 1801 Benjamin Baker, jr., to Hannah Wilbour. 

Aug. 6, 1 801 John Spooner of New Bedford and Keturah 
Gifford. 

Aug. 16, 1801 Zenas Cowen and Mary Francis. 

Aug. 23, 1 80 1 Elijah Allen and Rebecca Gifford. 

Sept. 6, 1 801 James Shearman and Martha Brown. 

Jan. 3, 1802 Alden Hathaway of Freetown to Mercy Palmer. 

Jan. 10, 1802 John Reed and Maria Petty. 

April 5, 1802 Thomas Woodmansea and Sybil Beden. 

Dec. 12, 1802 Samuel Samson of Freetown to Sarah Rogers. 

May 19, 1803 Joseph Reed, to Elizabeth Wordell of Westport. 

July 10, 1803 Paul Gifford and Patience Tripp. 

Oct. 9, 1803 Richard Macomber of Tiverton and Lavinia 
Butts of Westport. 

Oct. 23, 1803 Pitts Phillips of Berkley and Roby Pettys. 

Nov. 13, 1803 Josiah Hix and Serapta Phillips. 

March 25, 1804 Jonathan Tripp and Alice Devoll, both of 
Westport. 



194 A SKETCH OF 

May 6, 1804 Calvin Reynolds, and Barbara Woddle of Tiver- 
ton. 

April 25, 1805 Philip Cornell and Nancy Rider. 

June 26, 1806 David Gifford and Nancy Baker. 

Dec. 25, 1806 Simeon Chase, and Lucy Rowland of Westport. 

Jan. 6, 1807 Martin Besse and Anna Gifford, both of West- 
port. 

Jan. 22, 1807 William Gifford of Westport and Sally Cowing. 

Feb. 15, 1807 Benjamin Hart and Delilah Russell. 

March i, 1807 Benjamin Horton and Lydia Chase. 

Aug. 30, 1807 Zacheus Gifford of Westport and Waity Crape 
of Freetown. 

Nov. 8, 1807 George Gifford and Judith Maxfield. 

Nov. 8,1807 Prince Rowland and Judith Devoll, both of 
Westport. 

Dec. 6, 1807 Job White and Amy Gifford, both of Westport. 

Dec. 10, 1807 Peleg Gifford and Phebe Brownell, both of 
Westport. 

Jan. 24, 1808 Abial Jones and Sally Pool. 

March 6, 1808 Richard Craw and Hannah Chase. 

June 5, 1808 Chase Babcock and Phebe Chase. 

June 19, 1808 Henry Chase and Mercy Whalon. 

Oct. 26, 1809 Levi Gifford and Prudence Brownell, both of 
Westport. 

June 3, 1810 Noah Macomber of Westport and Mary Miller 
of Troy [Fall River.] 

Avig. 30, 1 810 Isaac Millard and Susan Blossom, both of Troy. 

Nov. 22, 1 8 10 Jonathan Davis of Westport and Rachel Wodel 
of Tiverton. 

Sept. 8, 181 1 Malichi White and Content Crapo. 

Nov. 17,1811 Isaac Case of Tiverton to Amy Russell. 

Feb. 16, 1 81 2 Abraham Allen and Amy Wordell. 

Aug. 2,1812 William Cummings of Freetown and Polly Perce. 

Oct. 4, 1 81 2 Uriah Shearman and Mary Peirce. 

Nov. I, 1 81 2 Reuben Crapo, and Cynthia M. Devoll of West- 
port. 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 95 

March 21, 1813 Bradford Burdin of Westport and Hannah 
Jones. 

April 22, 1 81 3 Ebenezer Terry of Troy and Betsey Allen. 

July 4, 1813 Holder Mosher to Betsey Snell. 

July 4, 1 81 3 James Reed and Anna Reed. 

July 18, 1813 Stephen Wordell and Rebecca Russell. 

Oct. 19, 1 81 3 Shubael Garner Allen to Bathsheba Hathaway, 

Oct. 20, 1 81 3 Peleg Dennis of Westport and Mahala Snell of 
Troy. 

Oct. 20, 1 81 3 Paul Russell and Sarah Booth. 

Feb. 10, 1814 Job Wordell of Tiverton to Keziah Samson. . 

Aug. 7, 1814 Pardon Wordell of Troy and Elizabeth Reed. 

March 24, 18 14 Samuel Sabins and Olive Brown. 

Dec. 22, 1 814 Pearce Phillips of Freetown and Susan Wordell 
of Westport. 

Dec. 23, 1 8 14 Peleg Woddle and Delana Woddle, both of 
Westport. 

Feb. 5,1815 Isaac Babcock, and Hannah Wordell of Troy. 

June 4, 1815 Jedediah Howland of Middleborough and Su- 
san Crapo. 

Jan. 7, 1 81 6 Barnabas Thomas of Tiverton and Barbara 
Booth. 

Jan. 21, 1816 George Gifford and Mary Rider. 

March 3, 1816 Cyrus Ellis of New Bedford and Audra Cook. 

July 18, 1 81 6 Tabor Ashley of Freetown and Elizabeth Wor- 
dell. 

Nov. 7, 1 816 Jesse Nichols and Lucy Snell. 

Dec. 1, 1 81 6 Holder White of Westport and Sarah Burdin of 
Troy. 

Jan. 2, 181 7 Stephen Gifford and Phebe Washburn. 

Jan. 19,1817 Joshua Woddle and Anna Cowen, both of 
Westport. 

Feb. 2, 1 81 7 Alden Reed and Amelia Ann Sears. 

April 17, 181 7 Ebenezer Haskins and Lurania Pool. 

Dec. 21, 181 7 Abraham Ashley, 3d, of Freetown, and Thank- 
ful Allen. 



196 A SKETCH OF 

March 22, 1818 Israel Chase and Mary Chase. 

April 5, 1 81 8 Joseph Eldridge of Freetown and Sally Reed. 

Sept, 27, 1 818 Isaac Chase of New Bedford and Priscilla Mil- 
lard. 

July 5, 1 81 8 Weston Winslow to Elizabeth Chase. 

Nov. 8, 1 81 8 Joseph Chase to Susanna Chase. 

Nov. 15, 1 81 8 Richard Winslow and Abigail Snell. 

Dec. 6, 1 81 8 Thomas Hathaway, jr., and Charity Snell. 

Dec. 13, 181 8 Thomas Durfee of New Bedford and Elizabeth 
Maxfield. 

Feb. 14, 1819 William Gifford, and Sarah Wodle of Troy. 

Sept. 23, 1 8 19 George Gifford of Westport and Ruth Crape of 
Freetown. 

Oct. 10, 1819 Isaac W. Rogers and Abigail Bullock. 

Nov. 7, 1819 Daniel Martin, and Abigail Smith of Freetown. 

Dec. 2, 1 819 Weston Gifford of Troy and Sally Wordell of 
Westport. 

Dec. 3, 1819 Daniel Driscoll and Anna Reed. 

March 5, 1820 Wordin Babcock and Rebecca Martin. 

April 23, 1820 William Cowen and Elizabeth Simmons. 

April 30, 1820 Jacob Reed and Lois Rogers. 

June 18, 1820 Jonathan Collins, and Sarah Shearman. 

Aug. 20, 1820 Clark Freelove of Troy and Rebecca Tripp of 
Westport. 

Aug. 20, 1820 Gideon Rogers, and Azubah Wordell of Troy. 

Nov. 23, 1820 Ezra Winslow and Rebecca Winslow. 

Feb. 4, 1 82 1 Stephen Russell and Margaret Reed. 

June 17, 1 82 1 William Ashley and Sarah Collins. 

Oct. II, 1821 John Wodel and Diana Wodel, both of West- 
port. 

Oct. II, 1821 Jeremiah Russell and Maria Samson. 

Nov. 8, 1 82 1 Joseph Russell, and Polly Samson of Troy. 

Dec. 4, 1 82 1 Thomas Clark and Polly Wheeler. 

Feb. 28, 1822 James Gifford of Westport and Sylvia French. 

iMay 19, 1822 Spooner How and Phebe Briggs. 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 9/ 

Oct. 3, 1822 David Lewis of Middleborough and Lucy Free- 
man. 

Oct. 3, 1822 Elder Maxson Mosher of New York and Re- 
becca Mosher. 

Dec. 4, 1822 Stephen Ashley of Freetown to Sybil Bullock. 

Dec. 5, 1822 John Edminster of Middleborough and Betsey 
Ashley of Freetown. 

Feb. 20, 1S23 Joseph Brightman and Susanna Brightman, 
both of Troy. 

May 29, 1823 Ephraim Kempton of New Bedford and Salome 
Russell. 

June 12, 1823 Leonard Snell and Abigail Faunce. 

Aug. 3, 1823 Clothier Peirce and Bethia Cleaveland. 

Sept. 7, 1823 Daniel Russell and Nancy Briggs. 

Sept. 14, 1823 Philip Cowen and Margaret Butts. 

Nov. 2, 1823 Asa Nichols, and Betsey Swift of New Bedford. 

Nov. 2, 1823 Henry Davis of New Bedford and Mary Ashley. 

Jan. 4, 1824 William Butts and Lydia Andrews. 

Jan. 28, 1824 David Rider and Clarissa Snell. 

March 4, 1824 William Peets and Eliza Collins. 

April II, 1824 William Mosher and Hannah Millard. 

Aug. 19, 1824 Elkanah Mitc^hel of New Bedford and Amy 
Reed. 

Sept. 30, 1S24 Lewis Gifford and Eliza Winslow. 

Oct. 3, 1824 Abel Snell and Betsey Hall. 

Oct. 10, 1824 Joseph Williams of Dighton and Marian Briggs. 

Oct. 13, 1824 Elihu Beden and Mercy Chace. 

Oct. 17, 1824 Israel Reed and Maria Mosher. 

Dec. 23, 1824 George Pool. and Nancy Nickerson. 

June 5, 1825 Samuel Winslow and Charlotte Cowen. 

July 17, 1825 James Butts and Susanna Simmons. 

Aug. 7, 1S25 William Winslow and Sukie Russell. 

Feb. 12, 1826 Job Terry, 2d, of Troy, and Elizabeth Reed. 

April 2, 1826 John Chase and Sarah Jones. 

Sept. 3, 1826 Abel Boomer and Loisa Davis, both of Troy. 

April I, 1827 Philip Peckham and Julia Ann Haskins. 



198 A SKETCH OF 

April 10, 1827 Oliver Ramsdell and Lydia Jones. 

April 19, 1827 John Davis Green and Mary Lincoln Jones, 
both of New Bedford. 

Oct. 7, 1827 Abel Snell and Paulina Faunce. 

Oct. 14, 1827 Barnabas Collins and Olive Millard. 

Nov. I, 1827 Thomas Sanford of Westport and Almeda Mil- 
lard. 

Dec. 4, 1827 Thomas Jones and Charlotte Jones. 

July 26, 1828 George Gifford of Westport and Mercy Bullock. 

April 14, 1828 Philip Cummins of Freetown and Rhoda Chase 
of New Bedford. 

1828 Brightman Collins and Cynthia Snell. 

July 20, 1828 Jesse W. Nichols and Polly Merick. 

Aug. 19, 1829 David R. Rider and Lydia Simmons. 

Nov. 8, 1829 Elijah Home and Delila Tripp, both of New 
Bedford. 

Nov. 8, 1829 Robert W. Cottle of Freetown and Polly Mil- 
lard. 

March 23, 1830 William Green and Fanny Samson. 

Jan. 24,1831 Benjamin D. Cooms of Fairhaven and Clarissa 
Mirreck of New Bedford. 

May 23, 1831 Arabia Samson of Troy and Abigail Cowen of 
Westport. 

Aug. 18, 1 83 1 Eli West and Mary Rogers. 

Oct. 12, 1 83 1 Edwin Luce and Lydia Ann Wilbour, both of 
New Bedford. 

Feb. 12, 1832 Jonathan Maxfield and Delila Snell. 

Feb. 23, 1832 Ensign Baker, and Lydia Ann Devoll of West- 
port. 

May 7, 1832 Nathan Raymond of Fairhaven and Hannah 
Walters of Troy. 

May 13, 1832 Timothy Dunlap and Mercy Westgate, both of 
Troy. 

July 2, 1832 Barnard H. Damon of Fairhaven and Mary 
Millard of Troy. 



ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 99 

Oct. 21, 1832 Wilson Barlow of New Bedford and Mary Ann 
Tripp. 

Nov. II, 1832 Silas Terry of Troy and Sarah A. Faunce. 

Dec. 2, 1832 Benjamin Wilson of Troy and Hannah ^E_ ' 
Faunce. ] 

Dec. 11,1832 Bradford Manchester and Frances Clark, both 
of Troy. 

Dec. 25, 1832 Holder Brightman of Little Compton and Mar- 
tha Chase. 

Feb. 21, 1833 Allen Gifford and Sally Macomber, both of 
Westport. ^^ 

Aug. 8, 1833 Moses Clark and Hope Booth. 

Oct. 3, 1833 Howard Tripp and Emily ]\L Gifford, both m' 
Westport. 
-^s-Oct. 6, 1833 William Allen and Mary Hix. 

Oct. 6, 1833 Anthony AJlen and Lucretia Gifford, both of 
Westport. 

Nov. 3, 1833 Jacob Hix and Ruth Gifford, both of Westport. 

Dec. 29, 1833 Benjamin B. Blossom of Westport and Sarah ^L 
Reed. 

Feb. 16, 1834 Abraham Ormsbee of Seekonk and Cynthia 
Wordell. 

April 7, 1834 Peleg Russell and Rebecca Peckham. 

Nov. 9, 1834 Jireh Reed and Orry Haskins. 

April 30, 1835 Albert Sherman and Alice Dexter, both of New 
Bedford. 

Feb. 21, 1836 Oliver W. Wilcox of Westerly, R. I., and 
Harriet Vincent of Fairhaven. 

Oct. 2, 1836 John Bracy and Almira Vincent, both of Fair- 
haven. 



APPENDIX 



A. 

The town of Dartmouth, Bristol County, Mass., 
as incorporated in 1664, included within its limits 
the present towns of Dartmouth, Westport, Fair- 
haven, Acushnet, and the city of New Bedford, 
and was purchased of the Indians in 1652, for 
"thirty yards of cloth, eight moose skins, fifteen 
axes, fifteen hoes, fifteen pairs of breeches, eight 
blankets, two kettles, one cloak, £2 English 
currency value of wampum, eight pairs of stock- 
ings, eight pairs of shoes, one iron pot, and 
ten shillings in another commoditie." In 1665, 
the Dartmouth proportion of rates or taxes was 
£\0. In 1673, the officers of the military com- 
pany in Dartmouth were John Smith, lieutenant, 
and Jacob Mitchel, ensign. During King Phil- 
ip's war nearly every house in Dartmouth was 
burned, and the people much distressed. West- 
port, the western division of old Dartmouth, 
was incorporated in the same year as New Bed- 
ford, 1787. Fairhaven was set off in 1812 from 
New Bedford, and Acushnet in i860 from Fair- 
haven. 
S 



202 APPENDIX. 

B. 

The branch church at Long Plain was visited 
by Elder Daniel Hix one or two Sundays each 
month for many years, and it paid him an annual 
salary of fifty dollars, which was at length raised 
to fifty-five dollars. The church meetings at first 
were held in an ''Elder Lewis's meeting-house," 
probably the one in Freetown, on the last Satur- 
day of each month. When organized, the 
church comprised the following named persons : 
Lucy Babcock, Peace Hammon, Anna Merihew, 
Rebecca Summerton, Mary Easterbrooks, Abi- 
gail Rightington, Comfort Tabor, Patience Right- 
ington, Phebe Caine, John Summerton, Preserved 
Merihew, Thomas Tabor, John Blackemore, 
Mary Sands, Phebe Blackemore, Experience 
Fuller, Ruth Caine. Afterwards others were 
added, and Ebenezer Keene and Silas Sweet 
were chosen deacons. 

In 1807 and 8 there was a branch church in 
Rochester, which then included Mattapoisett 
and Marion. The present Christian church in 
Mattapoisett, under the pastoral care of Elder 
William Faunce, is an outgrowth from it. 

The branch church in Fairhaven was visited 
by Elder Hix occasionally, and in December, 
1 8 19, Elders Moses How and Frederic Plummer 



APPENDIX. 203 

held meetings there in the Academy, which re- 
sulted in a revival, and many were baptized soon 
after. Nov. 30, 1820, a Christian church was 
formed, of forty-five members, taking the Bible 
as their only rule of faith and duty, and the 
number was soon increased to seventy-five. 
September 4, 1 821, Charles Morgridge was or- 
dained in Fairhaven and became pastor of the 
church. He was succeeded by Simon Clough, 
James Taylor, Frederic Plummer, George Kel- 
ton and others. The church was reorganized 
Dec. 7, 1832, as the Washington Street Chris- 
tian Church, and William H. Taylor was elected 
pastor. He was followed by J. H. Currier, 
Charles I. Bennett, Elder Joseph H. Smith, and 
others. This church was again reorganized 
September i, 1865, as the Washington Street 
Christian (Unitarian) Church. 

At a meeting held November 9 and 10, 183 1, 
the East Freetown Christian Church was organ- 
ized in No. 13 district schoolhouse, with the 
following members : Hezekiah Mason, Elbridge 
G. Morton, Samuel Wilde, Thomas Lucas, James 
Ashley, Bradford Braley, Jonathan Hervey, 
Samuel Brown, Sarah Mason, Lovey R. Tobey, 
Margaret Wilson, Mary Hervey, Nancy Parker, 
Patience Braley. Bradford Braley was chosen 
clerk of the church. 



204 APPENDIX. 

The old church at Beech Woods, Lakeville, 
was organized by Elder Ebenezer Hinds in 
1750, or according to Barber's Historical Col- 
lections in 1757, and Mr. Hinds was ordained 
pastor the next year. He was a Calvinist Bap- 
tist, and preached there forty years. His suc- 
cessor was Elder Simeon Coombs, who was 
pastor thirty-six years. The next pastor was 
Elder Daniel Brown, who preached eight years. 
Elder Richard Eldridge became pastor soon 
after. Elder Robert Foster, of the Christian 
denomination, came next, under whose labors 
there was a revival, and the Christian denomi- 
nation gained new strength ; he probably labored 
there five or six years. The next pastor was a 
Freewill Baptist, whose influence seemed to 
weaken the Christian denomination as a distinct 
people. Elder Hix held meetings in this 
place, and many were converted during the 
revival of 1807-8. Until 1853 Lakeville was a 
part of Middleborough, and it is probable that 
many of the baptisms in Middleborough re- 
corded by Elder Hix were in this part of the 
town. 



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